Between OR Robotics and Virtual Reality: THI students in Croatia

Research laboratories in Zagreb, an international science conference in Zadar and their own VR applications in dialogue with a specialist audience: at the end of May, an excursion by the Faculty of Engineering and Management took 20 THI students to Croatia.

Visit to Nin: During a guided tour of Croatia’s oldest royal city, the students explored the history and cultural heritage of the region (Photo: THI).

The trip began with a visit to the University of Zagreb. The trip was a return visit to a previous stay at THI by students from Zagreb and Maribor and was sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The students gained insights into work on Robotics, automation, and medical assistance systems in research and development laboratories. The focus was on technologies that can support doctors during surgical procedures.

The group then explored the Croatian capital together with students from the University of Zagreb. The exchange thus continued the contacts that had already been established during the Croatian students' visit to Ingolstadt.

From Zagreb, the group travelled on to Zadar to attend the international science conference MOTSP (Management of Technology - Step to Sustainable Production). During a poster session there, the students discussed current research work that will serve as the basis for later presentations in the elective at THI.

At the same time, they contributed their own topics to the conference: THI students presented virtual reality applications and discussed possible fields of application in industry, research, and teaching with international participants. The demonstrations provided an opportunity for expert discussions on the opportunities and limitations of the technology.

Another item on the programme was a visit to Nin, the oldest Croatian royal city. The programme focused on the historical development of the region and its cultural significance.

In addition to the specialist programme items, the excursion also provided an opportunity for exchange with students and researchers from other universities. The trip was organised by Professor Bernhard Axmann from the Faculty of Engineering and Business. The programme aims to deepen international cooperation and give students an early insight into research, technology development, and academic cooperation across national borders.