Kassel scientists win first prize in international "Converge Challenge Open Innovation" ideas competition

The Kassel team consisting of Prof. Ilija Vukorep, an alumnus of the University of Kassel, and Ruben Jubeh, a computer science doctoral student at the University of Kassel, has won first prize in the "Best Open Innovation Idea" category of the international "Converge Challenge Open Innovation" ideas competition. The "Converge Challenge Open Innovation" ideas competition was organized by Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh (Scotland) and sponsored by the so-called Open Innovation Project(www.openinnovationproject.eu), in which the Chair of Information Systems at the University of Kassel is also involved.

With their innovative idea for an autonomous robot system, the two scientists were able to prevail against competitors from Belgium, England, France, Ireland and Scotland. The "hanging robot assistant" called SQUID can move freely in a room - supported by an installed cable system - and thus support people in carrying out a wide variety of tasks. A wide range of possible applications are conceivable: SQUID can be used as a lamp or gripper arm in private households or in industry and care settings. The market launch is planned for one year from now. Prof. Vukorep and Ruben Jubeh also took part in the Unikat'12 ideas competition with this innovative idea and won the VDI special prize. As a prize, the two participants will receive a market research report worth €2000, which will be issued by the research institutions involved in the competition.