Potsdam Science Day: Robots, drones and a look into the future!

Potsdam Science Day: Robots, drones and a look into the future!

On May 12, 2025, the twelfth Potsdam Science Day took place in the Potsdam Science Park. The BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg was on site with a multifaceted program that attracted numerous visitors. The scientists presented exciting research topics in a total of six lectures and at several information stands.

Dr. Olaf Gutschker from the Physics Department explained how robot arms can be operated with controllers and gesture controls. Henry Herkula presented the “learning playground of the future” and demonstrated the use of experience glasses. Bartosz Lysakowski highlighted the development of drones since the First World War and their applications in natural disaster management and air quality measurement.

Diverse research at the BTU

Other experts contributed to the event: Dr. Marten Klein spoke about simulations for future energy systems and the planning of wind turbines. Prof. Dr. Thorsten O. Zander discussed improving human-AI interaction using passive brain-computer interfaces. Zander received funding of over 30 million euros from the cyber agency in 2024.

Dr. Owen Ernst spoke about the progress in quantum computing, especially in the extraction of high-purity silicon 28. Johannes Kaufhold also explained the positive effects of singing on the human organism. Prof. Dr. Ruben R. Rosencrantz provided insights into bioprinting and repairing joint damage with 3D printed cartilage. The research aims at the long-term production of tailor-made tissues and perhaps even entire organs.

Quantum computing and its application

The topic of quantum computing is also of great international relevance. Zenatech, a company based in Toronto, Canada, has initiated a project called “Sky Traffic” that uses quantum computing combined with AI drones. Initial tests have shown high accuracy, particularly when used in traffic management and weather forecasting for government customers. The multifunctional autonomous drone “Zenadrone 1000” can carry up to 40 kilos and is used in these applications.

Zenatech relies on quantum computers from Amazon Web Services (AWS) to analyze large amounts of data quickly and precisely. The goal is to improve the prediction of extreme events. The company also plans to optimize its drones for defense applications by combining AI and quantum computing. Zenatech has now opened seven offices worldwide and a manufacturing facility in Phoenix, which produces drones for the US Department of Defense and NATO.

Use cases and development

Dr. Christian Tutschku from the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering and Organization IAO clarifies the goals of the quantum computing study: a comprehensive look at the topic for a broader public. In addition to how quantum computers work, the study also shows the development process of application-based quantum software. Particular attention is paid to solutions for industrial applications such as logistics, energy and manufacturing.

The network of research institutes and companies in Germany works closely together to develop suitable algorithms and optimize quantum software. The follow-up project “SEQUOIA End-to-End”, which started in January 2023, is supported by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry with over 12 million euros and focuses on automated solutions in the quantum software development process.

Overall, the Potsdam Science Day not only shows the latest developments at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, but also reflects the growing international relevance of quantum computing and AI in various industries. Promising progress is expected from Zenatech's innovative approaches and Fraunhofer IAO's research initiatives.