Dr. Eberhard Nacke, an expert in the field of biological energy production, welcomed the inquisitive pupils. He vividly explained the function of a biogas plant and how it helps to convert organic waste into sustainable energy. The pupils' enthusiasm was clearly palpable when they learned that a special process converts biomass into biogas, which can then be used to produce electricity and heat.

As part of the excursion, the pupils had the opportunity to become active themselves. They experimented with various organic materials to find out which were suitable as feed for the biogas plant. Not only did they learn about the different properties of the materials in a playful way, they also learned about the importance of research into sustainable energy sources.

The trip to the Harsewinkel sawmill was a successful and educational experience for the pupils, which sparked their interest in renewable energies and focused on important environmental issues. The pupils returned to Gütersloh in the late afternoon with new insights and a host of exciting impressions.

Six schools from the districts of Warendorf and Gütersloh participated. The teams of pupils competed against each other with high motivation and had to first “get around the curve” in order to be able to “count peas” later on. After refreshments and the opportunity to look around the CLAAS site as part of the CLAAS Newcomers' Day taking place at the same time, another exciting challenge awaited them: “Watch out for the obstacle!”

All tasks could only be solved by precisely programming the robots. This was the only way the small machines were able to drive on a black line, recognize obstacles and stop at the right places. Many of the participants also learned that there are different (programming) approaches to reach the goal. The “RatsTeam” from Ratsgymnasium in Wiedenbrück was able to impress in all disciplines and won first prize. Second prize went to the ErNi team from Ennigerloh-Neubeckum comprehensive school and third prize went to the TechTitans from Steinhagen secondary school.

Over the past six years, the CLAAS Foundation has equipped a total of 12 schools in the districts of Warendorf and Gütersloh with mBot2 kits. The mBot2 plays a central role in project-oriented learning, which many schools are increasingly promoting.

This year's competition was organized by Malte Schön's team from the Technical Education Centre in Harsewinkel. The team was supported on site by Dr. Sergej Stoetzer from Makeblock Education, who was able to provide excellent advice to all participants with his extensive knowledge.

On 10 May 2025, theory will finally become practice: pupils will compete against each other in the mBot competition organised by the CLAAS Technical Education Centre (TBZ). They can also attend the Newcomers Day at the TBZ. This gives the participants an ideal insight into the training professions at CLAAS and allows them to make initial contacts and gather information on site.

Through this initiative, the Claas-Stiftung is reaffirming its goal of promoting education and enthusiasm for technical professions and preparing pupils for the challenges of the digital future.

Around 15 dedicated teachers took part in the training, which was led by Dr Sergej Stoetzer from MakeBlock. Malte Schön, trainer for mechatronics at CLAAS, presented the tasks of the planned competition. The participants embedded the small but powerful robotic vehicles and began with the initial programming. This enabled the mBots to navigate precisely along a black line, recognise obstacles and stop in the right places.

This training course serves as an introduction to mBots in the classroom and is intended to be used in technology and computer science lessons as well as in afternoon courses. The mBot is an example of project-orientated learning, which is becoming increasingly important in schools.

On 10 May 2025, theory will finally become practice: pupils will compete against each other in the mBot competition organised by the CLAAS Technical Education Centre (TBZ). They can also attend the Newcomers Day at the TBZ. This gives the participants an ideal insight into the training professions at CLAAS and allows them to make initial contacts and gather information on site.

Through this initiative, the Claas-Stiftung is reaffirming its goal of promoting education and enthusiasm for technical professions and preparing pupils for the challenges of the digital future.

The 34-year-old was welcomed by the Presidential Board of Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and the supporting foundations of the Aloys & Brigitte Coppenrath Stiftung, the Claas-Stiftung, the Dieter Fuchs Stiftung, the Friedel & Gisela Bohnenkamp Stiftung and the Stiftung Stahlwerk Georgsmarienhütte. All foundations provide 25,000 euros per year for five years, totalling 625,000 euros in funding. The university will then take over the funding.

"With this endowed professorship, we will be able to successfully develop the research focus on sustainability technologies and processes that we have built up over the past few years. Christian Meltebrink will drive forward the automation of agricultural systems and support a key industry in this region through dialogue with companies from the agricultural engineering sector and the targeted promotion of young talent. This is made possible by the generous commitment of the foundations," emphasised University President Prof. Dr Alexander Schmehmann.

Expert for sensor technology in agriculture

Meltebrink's expertise is sensor technology. Sensors act as the eyes and ears of modern agricultural technology and provide real-time data on environmental conditions, soil health, plant growth and machine performance. A sensor detects physical or chemical changes in the environment and converts them into an electrics signal. This signal is used to gather information or to determine, for example, whether a robot should irrigate a crop or manoeuvre around an obstacle.

After completing a dual Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering - Automation in Baden-Württemberg, Meltebrink went on to study for a Master's degree in Computer Science - Distributed and Mobile Applications at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences. In 2015, he received the Amazone Innovation Award and an award for the best Master's degree for his Master's thesis.

Establishment of a junior engineering group

He then started his career as Safety Manager at agricultural machinery manufacturer Strautmann & Söhne in Bad Laer, where Meltebrink developed a patented safety concept for autonomous agricultural machinery. It was there that he recognised the problem of the safe perception of people by self-driving agricultural machinery in the field and on the farm. Meltebrink completed his doctorate on this topic with summa cum laude honours at the Technical University of Berlin and developed a new testing methodology for sensors from different manufacturers as part of the "Agro-Safety" research project. During this time, Meltebrink also set up a junior engineering research group. Over the past two years, he has been responsible for portfolio and innovation management for sensor solutions for mobile machinery at sensor manufacturer SICK.

Practical research and teaching

"I want to offer application-oriented teaching with the associated practical training, taking into account state-of-the-art approaches and industry-standardised processes. In practical research, I will focus on agricultural processes and work closely with farmers and industry partners to develop new, intelligent sensor system solutions that improve day-to-day work," says Meltebrink. "The university's infrastructure, including the Agro-Technicum, offers me ideal working conditions."

Promoting innovative and sustainable agriculture in Osnabrück

"As the funding foundations, we are delighted to welcome Prof Dr Meltebrink as the new holder of the Chair of Autonomous and Collaborative Agricultural Systems. His expertise will breathe new life into the vision of innovative and sustainable agriculture in Osnabrück," says Sylvia Looks, board member of the Claas-Stiftung.

Source: Hochschule Osnabrück
Geschäftsbereich Kommunikation
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Redaktion: Isabelle Diekmann

Sylvia Looks, Executive Board member of the Claas-Stiftung, expressed her enthusiasm for the new cooperation: "We are thrilled to support this partnership between Wageningen University and Göttingen University. Both institutions are renowned for their contributions to agricultural sciences, and we believe that this collaboration will yield significant advancements in research and education, ultimately benefiting the global agricultural community." 

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the Claas-Stiftung 's ongoing commitment to supporting academic development and advancing agricultural technologies. By bringing together two of Europe’s leading agricultural universities, the twinning cooperation seeks to enhance cross-border academic exchange and provide students and researchers with unique opportunities for collaboration and growth. 

Key Objectives of the Twinning Cooperation: 

1. Promoting Joint Research Initiatives: The partnership will facilitate joint research projects, harnessing the strengths and expertise of both institutions to address global challenges in agriculture and sustainability. 

2. Enhancing Educational Opportunities: Students and faculty will benefit from exchange programs, joint seminars, and workshops, enriching their academic experiences and broadening their perspectives. 

3. Fostering Innovation and Technology Transfer: By combining resources and expertise, the cooperation aims to accelerate the development and implementation of cutting-edge agricultural technologies. 

4. Strengthening International Networks: This initiative will not only strengthen ties between the partner universities but also expand their networks globally, creating new avenues for collaboration with other institutions and industry leaders. 

Professor Peter Groot Koerkamp, representative from Wageningen University, says: "This twinning cooperation provides a fantastic opportunity for our students and researchers to engage with their peers in Göttingen. By working together, we can tackle some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture today." 

Professor Frank Beneke from Göttingen University shared similar sentiments: "We are excited to embark on this journey with Wageningen University. The exchange of knowledge and expertise will undoubtedly lead to innovative solutions and new insights in our field." 

This new partnership aligns with the Claas-Stiftung ’s mission to support educational and research initiatives that drive agricultural innovation and sustainability. The foundation continues to play a pivotal role in connecting academic institutions and promoting excellence within the agricultural sector.