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Open Factory Day 2026

Hands-On Research at the Innovation Campus Lemgo

Co-Creative: Learning About AI Through Play.

Strikingly realistic: The “IMPOSTER” demo showed just how realistic AI-generated deepfakes can now appear.

Hands-on cybersecurity: In the “Hack it yourself” workshop, guests were able to discover security vulnerabilities in a fun and interactive way.

Lab tour of SmartFactoryOWL for international students.

Hands-on tech: Visitors had the chance to try their hand at soldering at the soldering station in the IA Lab.

Smile, please: The AI photo booth turned portraits into creative works of art.

A full house at SmartFactoryOWL: On May 9, more than 1,000 visitors took the opportunity to experience the latest research at the Innovation Campus Lemgo during the TH OWL Open Day. inIT and Fraunhofer IOSB-INA jointly presented current developments in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous systems, and Industry 4.0—in an accessible, interactive, and hands-on manner.

Hands-On Research

At the various stations, visitors soldered, tested, discussed, and experimented. They were able to create their own AI artworks, learn about deepfake technologies, explore cybersecurity through play, and experience how autonomous vehicles perceive their surroundings. Among the highlights were the IA Lab with soldering and 3D printing activities, demonstrations on sustainable AI and modern production processes, and the interactive “Hack it yourself” workshop. The AI photo booth and the humanoid robot from SmartFactoryOWL, which hit the dance floor every hour, were also among the most popular stations of the day.

Collaboration at the Innovation Campus Lemgo

Once again this year, Open Factory Day was part of the TH OWL Open House. The event demonstrated once more how closely research, teaching, and technology transfer are intertwined at the Innovation Campus Lemgo. The unique infrastructure — comprising the university, research institutes, and open learning and demonstration environments—creates the ideal conditions for bringing future technologies to life for the public.

We were particularly delighted that so many people of all ages found their way to SmartFactoryOWL—from curious children to students to entire families. The direct exchange and the chance to try things out together make Open Factory Day special for us every year.” Jasmin Zilz, inIT Office

Save the date: The next Open Factory Day will take place on June 5, 2027!