Technology demonstrators & prototype development

Why prototyping is crucial for innovation and understanding

Many new technologies remain abstract at first and are difficult to grasp. Particularly in the early stages of development, it is often not possible to assess concepts realistically or present them in a way that is easy to understand.

The key difference: For more than ten years, ITQ has been working with interdisciplinary, international teams of students to develop demonstrators that bring innovations to life – from the Google Cloud Demonstrator and the smart4i Demonstrator developed in collaboration with the VDMA to the Smart Airhockey Demonstrator created with AMK and Aalen University of Applied Sciences.

Our current flagship project is the AI Multi-Robot Voice Assistant: a unified, voice-controlled system that simultaneously controls several robot demonstrators at our sites in Garching, Duisburg, Berlin and Gran Canaria – ranging from planting robots and drawing robots to ice cream machines. The system is developed and operated by our in-house robotics and AI team, comprising 23 people and currently working on 7 parallel projects.

Your benefits at a glance:

Practical validation of new technologies and concepts
Early assessment of feasibility and functionality
Reducing development risks
A clear explanation of complex systems and technologies
Experience AI control of multiple robots in real time via a unified voice system
Accelerating innovation processes

Finding the right solution together

Your personal contact at Mechatronic Consulting will be happy to advise you on your specific enquiry.

Get in touch now for a no-obligation consultation.

Bernd Spiegelberger

COO at ITQ

„Those who merely talk about innovation get bogged down in theory. Demonstrators force us to test our assumptions against reality – and that is precisely what ultimately determines whether a technology will really take off within a company.“

Do new technologies remain abstract rather than tangible for you?

In many companies, new technologies are initially assessed purely in theoretical terms. Concepts remain abstract, the interrelationships are difficult to grasp, and they are only of limited comprehensibility both internally and externally. This leads to uncertain decisions, delayed projects and increased development costs.

This is precisely where ITQ comes in: concepts are implemented in realistic applications, tested in practice and presented in a clear and understandable way. This brings interrelationships to light, enables more informed decisions to be made and allows innovations to be tested in a practical setting.

Typical challenges

Typical challenges within a company:

Only through practical demonstrations can technologies be realistically assessed and clearly presented.

Services relating to technology demonstrators and prototype development

Creativity alone is not enough. ITQ develops technology demonstrators that bring concepts to life and test them in real-world conditions – from miniature factories to voice-controlled multi-robot systems.

An overview of our services

Analysis of technologies, concepts and objectives
Design of suitable demonstrators and application scenarios
Development of hardware and software demonstrators
Integration of AI voice control for the networking of multiple robot systems
Development of demonstrators as a platform for innovation and practical testing

Methodological expertise

Development of mechatronic demonstrators and systems
Integration of AI, voice control and multi-robot orchestration
Prototype implementation of technical concepts within interdisciplinary, international teams
Cross-site networking of distributed robot systems
Educational presentation of technical content using demonstrators

Procedure for the development of demonstrators and prototypes

The development of a technology demonstrator requires a structured approach that takes into account technical objectives, practical relevance and clarity. ITQ combines engineering expertise with practical implementation to create meaningful demonstrators and test innovations under real-world conditions.

Project phases

Analysis of the objectives

Definition of the objectives, use cases and technologies to be demonstrated.

Design of the demonstrator

Definition of the structure, functionality and relevant system components.

Development and implemen&shytation

Implementation of the demonstrator, integrating hardware and software.

Testing and validation

Verification of functionality and evaluation of the results.

Implemen&shytation and further development

Use of the demonstrator for validation, communication and knowledge transfer, as well as further development.

Prototype development in practice

Sector: Logistics, Mechanical Engineering

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Further ITQ solutions

The services described form part of ITQ’s comprehensive service portfolio. ITQ combines technological expertise, a methodical approach and a deep understanding of processes to deliver sustainable solutions throughout the entire life cycle.

FAQs – Technology Demonstrators

What is an ITQ technology demonstrator?

A technology demonstrator brings a new technology or technical concept to life – for validation, to aid decision-making or to explain it clearly.

Which demonstrators has ITQ already developed?

Currently, the main highlights include the AI Multi-Robot Voice Assistant with its connected Plantcare Robot, drawing robots in Berlin and Gran Canaria, and the Fwip Ice Robot. In addition, there is a long history of demonstrators such as the Google Cloud Demonstrator, the smart4i Demonstrator, the Smart Airhockey Demonstrator, as well as earlier projects such as the Mi5 Showcase, the Mi5 Dartboard, Limoweb, the racetrack for single children and the clever pinball machine.

Who develops the demonstrators at ITQ?

Interdisciplinary and international teams working alongside experienced ITQ engineers and industry partners. Our Robotics & AI team alone now comprises 23 people across four locations and is working on seven projects simultaneously.

What are the demonstrators used for?

For the practical validation of new technologies, to support management decision-making, and to explain complex systems in an accessible way in training and the development of young talent.

Any further questions ...

What is ITQ’s AI Multi-Robot Voice Assistant?

A unified, voice-controlled AI system that connects several robot demonstrators at different ITQ sites and controls them via voice commands – from plant care and drawing to automated ice cream dispensing. The system is constantly being expanded to include further demonstrators, such as a Farmbot from Biberach or PlastiX robots and drones.

Can companies develop their own demonstrators using ITQ?

Yes. ITQ also designs and builds bespoke demonstrators for companies – from defining objectives through to technical implementation and their use at trade fairs or in internal communications.