State Legislator Dr. Katrin Merkel Visits Hochschule Offenburg
Dr. Katrin Merkel (CDU), a member of the Baden-Württemberg State Parliament representing the Kehl district, visited Hochschule Offenburg for the first time. The working meeting with Rector Prof. Dr. Stephan Trahasch focused on the university’s contributions to businesses in the Southern Upper Rhine region.
Hochschule Offenburg has maintained close ties with businesses and trade associations in the Ortenau region for many years. The practice-oriented education specifically prepares students for concrete tasks in industry. At the same time, the University aligns its applied research with the needs of the regional economy. In this way, the University strengthens the innovative capacity of businesses and ensures the supply of qualified professionals in the region.
A tour of the Work-Life Robotics Institute on Campus West demonstrated how this knowledge transfer works in practice. There, researchers develop modern automation solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises. Robots are taking on increasingly complex tasks in assembly and logistics, relieving employees of physically demanding work. In times of demographic change, robotics is thus proving to be a key component in addressing the growing shortage of skilled workers.
At Campus West, the University also recently founded the “Humanoid Robotics and Embodied AI” foundation in collaboration with the companies Schunk SE & Co. KG and Burger Group. The initiative combines application-oriented basic research with industrial practice. As their first project, the partners are developing an automated system for container handling in logistics.
“By joining forces with regional small and medium-sized enterprises, our University is making an important contribution to securing a skilled workforce and ensuring the Ortenau region’s future viability,” explained Rector Prof. Dr. Stephan Trahasch. “The ongoing dialogue with state policymakers deepens our mutual understanding of the key role that universities of applied sciences play in the economic development of Baden-Württemberg.”
Katrin Merkel agreed: “Even though Hochschule Offenburg is not located directly in my congressional district, numerous companies in Kehl and the Ortenau region benefit as partners from its practice-oriented education. I was particularly impressed by how students are already solving concrete problems faced by companies through their coursework, thereby forging ties with regional businesses at an early stage—this is a sustainable way to secure a skilled workforce for the region, which particularly resonates with me as the spokesperson for vocational education.”