From chaos to digital technology: in the new ‘Logikboard’ workshop run by the RoboCreators at HTWK Leipzig, pupils get a first-hand insight into how a computer performs calculations. In the process, they learn how their knowledge of mathematics and computer science is applied in vocational training, higher education and the workplace.
Leipzig, 30 October 2026 – RoboCreators, the robotics school laboratory at HTWK Leipzig, is expanding its educational programme to include the ‘Logikboard’ workshop. In this workshop, pupils gain first-hand experience of how a computer performs calculations and learn how the knowledge gained in maths and computer science lessons is applied in practice.
The workshop is based on a digital technology experiment board from HTWK Leipzig’s laboratory stock. At first glance, with its numerous colourful laboratory cables, it appears rather confusing. However, as the workshop progresses, the participants gradually uncover the order underlying it all: logic gates, switches and LEDs work together according to fixed rules – just like the circuits in every processor, smartphone or laptop. In this way, the path leads from apparent chaos to digital technology.
The workshop is structured as a puzzle based on the escape room principle. First, the pupils add two numbers in the binary system by entering the values via toggle switches and reading the result on the board. They then check the result mathematically and re-enter it. If everything is correct, a digital code appears. Using a further task from the world of number systems, they use this to determine the combination that will open a locked box. Worksheets and a guide to converting decimal numbers to binary numbers help participants work through the tasks.
The focus is on linking school knowledge with practical application. Number systems and logical thinking, which often remain abstract in the classroom, become immediately apparent on the logic board. The young people learn that these fundamentals form the basis of modern information technology and are just as essential in vocational training programmes in electrical and IT engineering as they are in degree courses in electrical engineering and computer science.
“With the Logic Board, we demonstrate that STEM knowledge is not an end in itself,” explains the RoboCreators team. “When pupils experience for themselves how a calculation result is derived from zeros and ones, they understand why they learn binary numbers in class – and what career prospects this opens up.”
As well as subject-specific learning, the workshop promotes teamwork, problem-solving skills and perseverance. Participants work in groups, discuss possible solutions and review their results together.
The workshop complements the RoboCreators’ existing programme, which covers robotics, programming, 3D printing, soldering and machine learning. It can be booked by schools in the city of Leipzig, the Leipzig district and the North Saxony district, and takes place at HTWK Leipzig or as part of project days.
With this new programme, the RoboCreators are helping to support career and study guidance and to ensure a supply of skilled workers 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 of 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 adopted by the Saxon State Parliament.
Funding
This is a project run by the Leipzig, North Saxony and Leipziger Land Skilled Workers’ Alliance.
