Children's dreams become reality: The "dream machines" unveiled

For the first time in Germany, the  "MyMachine" project was implemented in Stuttgart to support the inventors of tomorrow. Primary school children from the Galileo-Bildungshaus kicked off the development process of the so-called “dream machines”: They shared their ideas, which were then designed by students from the University of Stuttgart and brought to life as prototypes by middle school pupils from the Max-Eyth-Schule. On July 3, the primary school pupils presented their dream machines at the FUTUROMUNDO festival.

Let’s begin with the "Transformation Castle": Imagine sleeping longer and still arriving at school on time! This dream machine has clothes and jewelry at the ready - and gives children an easy start to the day.

The “Garbage Sailor” is a boat that collects garbage from the surface of the sea. A mobile waste lifter automatically transports plastic and other waste into a garbage can - and thus keeps the oceans clean.

Plastic can also be collected from the environment on the “Dream Ship 3000-I”. A bucket is attached to a gripper arm, allowing treasures to be lifted - perfect for young explorers on a treasure hunt.

What if you really want a pet - but are allergic to animals or simply don't feel like going for a walk? “myfriend - your friend for life” is a remote-controlled animal on wheels that can be walked on a lead. It can transform into either a dog or a cat—depending on your preference.

"The primary school children were essentially the clients, and their ideas had to be realized," explains Nana Moutafidou from the University of Stuttgart, who coordinated the project during its first phase. "Even though the project overlapped with their exam period, our students showed outstanding commitment and were instrumental to the success of MyMachine."

MyMachine kicked off in January at the Galileo elementary school: The children were encouraged to let their imaginations run wild and put their dream machines to paper. The students were also on hand to support the children. The school children finally voted and selected four dream machines, which the students then translated into feasible concepts. In April, the children visited Café frei[raum] to see how the project was progressing. After being exhibited at the Kessel Festival until July 5, three of the prototypes are now being returned to their original creators: The Transformation Castle, Friend for Life, and the Dream Ship will remain at the Galileo Elementary School. The Garbage Sailor will return to the University of Stuttgart

The project brought together students from a wide range of disciplines. Prof. Peter Middendorf, Rector at the University of Stuttgart, says: "MyMachine makes it clear that children, young people and students can develop creative solutions together. MyMachine, much like the University of Stuttgart, operates in an interdisciplinary, networked, and practice-oriented manner. We are proud to be part of this project that gets young people excited about STEM subjects and passes on the joy of technology and teamwork to the next generation."

Overall, the project was received very positively. The institutions involved showed great enthusiasm for the joint effort and are eager to pursue a repeat of the project in Stuttgart. The Bachelor's study program in Technology Management has already agreed to include MyMachine as a project in the curriculum.

The educational project MyMachine was organized by the initiative Classroom Thinktank e.V. for the first time in Germany. The aim of the project is to promote children's future skills. In Stuttgart, the Galileo Bildungshaus, the Hochschule der Medien and the Max-Eyth-Schule were involved in the project alongside the University of Stuttgart. The project received support from the University of Stuttgart Foundation and, notably, from several university institutions, including the Institute of Energy Economics and the Rational Use of Energy (IER), the Institute of Space Systems (IRS), the IntCDC and SimTech Clusters of Excellence, as well as Stuttgart’s Department of Mechanical Engineering.