Robotics workshops, robot dogs and plenty of hands-on activities: for three days at the Leipzig Hobby Fair, the RoboCreators from HTWK Leipzig, together with the IHK, VDI GaraGe, Inspirata and Start IT Smart, demonstrated just how much fun STEM education can be. As well as attracting enthusiastic children and families, the fair also provided numerous new contacts for future collaborations.
Leipzig, 30 October 2026 – From 2 to 4 October 2026, the RoboCreators, the robotics school laboratory at HTWK Leipzig, were present at the Leipzig Hobby Fair. At the joint stand of the Leipzig Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) in Hall 5, they spent three days presenting hands-on technology for visitors to try out and get involved with, together with their partners VDI GaraGe, Inspirata and Start IT Smart from JOBLINGE gAG.
This year, the Hobbymesse celebrated its 30th anniversary. Over 450 exhibitors showcased model-making, games, creative activities, technology and sport. Right at the heart of it all, the IHK joint stand offered children, young people and families an introduction to the world of STEM education.
The focus was on the interactive robotics workshops organised by the RoboCreators in collaboration with Start IT Smart. Every day at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm, young visitors were able to write their very first programmes and test together how robots reacted to their commands. Many children and young people had already registered in advance, whilst others took advantage of any spare places on the spot.
Among the crowd-pullers at the stand were the RoboCreators’ robot dogs, which sparked numerous questions from young and old alike about sensor technology and control systems. Students from HTWK Leipzig also showcased their own hands-on projects and shared first-hand accounts of how an idea is turned into a functioning technical system.
The partners rounded off the programme: VDI GaraGe invited visitors to try their hand at 3D printing and Ozobots, whilst Inspirata offered hands-on activities in maths and science. The result was a varied programme that not only explained technology but also brought it to life.
“For three days, we looked into curious faces and had countless conversations – with children, parents, teachers and businesses. It is precisely these encounters that show just how great the interest in robotics and computer science is,” summarised the RoboCreators team. “We’re taking away lots of new contacts and ideas for joint projects.”
Alongside the enthusiasm of the young visitors, the focus was also on networking. The stand brought together schools, educational institutions and representatives from the regional business community. The aim is for this to lead to new collaborations that inspire young people to pursue technical careers at an early stage, thereby helping to secure a skilled workforce in the region.
The RoboCreators are an open education and development project at HTWK Leipzig. Together with students, school pupils and other interested parties, they develop projects in the fields of robotics, electronics, programming and digital technologies, and bring technical education to schools and events across the region.
The RoboCreators are a project run by the Skilled Labour Alliances of Leipzig, Northern Saxony and the Leipzig Region. This initiative is co-funded by taxpayers’ money on the basis of the budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament.
Funding
This is a project run by the Leipzig, North Saxony and Leipziger Land Skilled Workers’ Alliance.
