Thin[gk]athon
Thin[gk]athon · Taking Virtual Shopfloor to the Next Level
Gläserne Manufaktur Dresden
June 24, 2025, 8 AM
THE CHALLENGE
Imagine walking through your production facility in a virtual world while being able to access real-time status information of your machines and systems at any time.
We’ll take the first steps towards that goal at the Thingkathon.
Virtual 3D worlds aren’t just found in video games. Industrial manufacturers also use virtual environments to improve planning and production.
Real Digitalisation challenge
3 DAYS OF TEAM HACKING
SUPPORTED BY COACHES AND TECHNICAL & SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS
AWARD FOR THE BEST SOLUTION
Challenge Providers
Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH
Automobiles have been built in Saxony for more than 120 years. We like to be here and work with people who are known and recognised for their top achievements in German engineering, excellent craftsmanship and team spirit. Together with our partners, we develop intelligent ideas and pool regional expertise in a strategically organised network. Our goal is to actively shape Saxony's automotive future. We are committed to this with the expertise of our workforce and our enthusiasm for modern automobiles and engines.
ZEISS Digital Innovation
We at ZEISS Digital Innovation realize individual digital solutions for the manufacturing industry and support our clients on their digital journey throughout the entire software lifecycle. Together, we pave the way for a digital and autonomous production, particularly through structured data enablement and the development of scalable applications built upon it.
THE APPROACH
“There are no limits to your ideas.” Within the framework of the challenge, you’ll work in interdisciplinary teams to develop new concepts and prototypes. Throughout the event, we provide expert and methodological support. Mentors and coaches with tech know-how will be at your side to help bring out the full potential of your idea.
THE PRIZE
After successfully completing the challenge, the best solutions will be awarded.
The total prize money of €2,000 will be donated to charitable organizations. The winning teams get to choose which organization:
1st Place – €1,000
2nd Place – €600
3rd Place – €400
JOIN US
You can apply either as a team or individually. Teams may consist of up to 4–6 people.
We’re looking for participants with ideas and energy, attention to detail, and a passion for teamwork.
You’ve got ideas, energy, curiosity, and love working in a team? Then sign up now!
By registering, you’ll reserve a ticket for the Thin[gk]athon. Spots are limited. To ensure a diverse mix of participants, we reserve the right to prioritize applicants from various areas of expertise.
To ensure event quality, we reserve the right to postpone the event in case of low participation. A minimum of three teams is required. We will inform you in time if the event takes place as planned.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- A real digitalization challenge with space for creativity
- Detailed briefing 2 weeks prior to the event
- Support by coaches and tech & domain experts
- Jury-based evaluation and awards
- Free participation incl. food and drinks
- 3 days of team hacking
- Idea development using “Design Thinking”
- Tons of opportunities to learn something new
Challenge details
Scans of real production environments enable the visualization of shopfloors in a virtual world — similar to a level in a video game. QR codes placed on objects in the virtual world should be detectable. While navigating the 3D environment, users should be able to retrieve information about real-world data (such as Asset Administration Shells or Product Passports) linked to virtual objects. With appropriate data visualization, a passive world will be transformed into an interactive one.
Technologies
Virtual 3D environment
QR/Datamatrix codes, e.g., Digital Product Passport via Asset Administration Shell
EXAMPLES OF POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Factory planning: Simulations to test feasibility of adding new machines without disrupting production
Condition monitoring for maintenance engineers: The “digital twin” provides real-time status data of machines/systems to enable timely maintenance
Navigation to digital product passports: Real-world product passport information is accessible and displayed in the virtual world
PARALLELS TO GAMING & SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
Factory planning: Simulations to test feasibility of adding new machines without disrupting production
Condition monitoring for maintenance engineers: The “digital twin” provides real-time status data of machines/systems to enable timely maintenance
Navigation to digital product passports: Real-world product passport information is accessible and displayed in the virtual world
EXAMPLES OF PRODUCT INFORMATION
CAD models (optional task: how can these be integrated into the virtual scene?)
Static product data (name, manufacturer, weight, supplier, nameplate info, load capacity)
Participant Profiles
Software Developers & Architects
Web Developers
Virtual Reality & Omniverse Enthusiasts
Game Developers
Media Informatics Specialists
Industry Experts
Students, Freelancers, Professionals & Startups
Method Thinkers & Creative Minds
Timetable
Tuesday, 06/24
from 09:00 AM
to 09:00 PM
Teambuildung
Challenge verstehen
Problemszenarien & Daten
User Stories
Vision & Lösungskonzept
Wednesday, 06/25
from 09:00 AM
to 09:00 PM
Coding
Testing & Konzeptverprobung
Pitch-Training
Tech-Support
Experten-Support
Thursday, 06/26
from 09:00 AM
to 05:00 PM
Finale Coding Session
Lösungspräsentation
Bewertung der Lösung durch Fachjury
Prämierung der Ergebnisse
DannyStädter
Senior Engineering & IT Solutions Specialist
Gestalte mit uns die Zukunft
Sie wollen ebenfalls eine Automatisierungs-Lösung von unseren Expertenteams entwickeln lassen? Ich bin für Sie da und finde auch für Ihre Herausforderung den richtigen Ansatz.