Insights into the Internet of Things on Girls’ Day

On April 3, 2025, the traditional Girls’ Day took place at the Feuchtwangen campus, giving four schoolgirls the chance to immerse themselves in the exciting world of technology. The focus of the day was the “Internet of Things” (IoT) course, in which they learned how devices and sensors can be connected and controlled via the internet with the help of a smart home kit.

The day began with a guided tour of the Ansbach University of Applied Sciences branch office. The participants had the opportunity to explore various areas of the campus, including the modern research hall, where innovative projects are developed, and the lecture hall, where scientific events and lectures take place. This tour gave the girls an exciting look behind the scenes and showed them how diverse the opportunities in the world of technology and research are.

The students were supervised by Regina Weger, a research assistant at the Feuchtwangen campus, who led the workshop with dedication. “It’s exciting to see how technology interacts in our everyday lives,” explained the course leader. She guided the tech-savvy teenagers through every step of the project and explained how modern technologies work together during her presentation. At the beginning of the workshop, the young talents tested IoT devices using a smart home kit and programmed buttons and lights. The devices responded automatically to certain commands and worked together. With the help of this programming, the course participants were able to build a networked system in which all components communicated with each other in a targeted manner. They also had the opportunity to program and test their own sensors and actuators. They were able to apply their newly acquired knowledge directly and try out various scenarios.

In addition to the practical project, the course participants developed creative ideas for future IoT applications. One of their suggestions was to automatically switch on the light as soon as the alarm clock rings – a practical function that would make it easier to start the day. Another exciting idea was a smart mirror that suggests suitable outfits based on weather data and the planned destination. “I was really impressed by the original ideas the girls came up with on the subject,” praised Regina Weger.

The day not only offered interesting insights into modern technologies, but also the opportunity to get creative and gain practical experience. In the final round of feedback, the young inventors were enthusiastic about the workshop – they particularly liked the programming of a fan, where they could directly experience how technology reacts to their commands. The modern building and the interesting tour of the Feuchtwangen campus also left a lasting impression.