As part of an international cooperation project, a group of students and staff from the Institute for Product Development and Device Control (IPeG) traveled to Pennsylvania State University. The aim of the visit was to develop a sustainable product concept in collaboration with US students – this year using the example of an electric toothbrush.
The stay began with a kick-off event, where initial project ideas were presented and the product was analyzed. The interdisciplinary teams worked together on approaches to sustainable design, positioning, and technical implementation. In addition to teamwork, the program included numerous activities that provided deep insights into research, teaching, and campus life.
Particular highlights included visits to the Hamer Center for Community Design, the Sustainable Experience Center, and the CIMP 3D Laboratory, which specializes in modern additive manufacturing. A visit to the research reactor—including visible Cherenkov radiation—also made a lasting impression.
In addition, the students had the opportunity to get hands-on experience in drawing classes, lectures, and lab visits, and to connect with US companies at the Career Fair. Campus tours, insights into student initiatives such as Formula Student, and exchanges with faculty and researchers rounded out the program.
The visit concluded with a farewell dinner on the terrace of the Engineering Design and Innovation Building (EDI), where the intense impressions of the week were reflected upon and future collaborations were discussed.
The visit was part of an ongoing partnership between IPeG and Penn State University with the aim of further strengthening international cooperation, sustainable product development, and practical training.
