Opening doors with a click: Over 130 children got a glimpse behind the scenes of research at Ulm University of Applied Sciences

Around 300 visitors, young and old, gained fascinating insights into research, technology and modern production processes at the ‘Maus Open Day’ on 3 October 2026 at Ulm University of Applied Sciences (THU).

Under the slogan ‘Open the doors with the Mouse’, the THU opened its laboratories and workshops to curious young researchers for the fourth year running. Four THU institutes opened their doors to over 130 children. Together with their siblings, parents and grandparents, they were able to discover technical concepts, carry out experiments themselves and experience research first-hand.

In the large-scale research equipment laboratory at the Institute of Manufacturing Technology and Materials Testing, the children were able to use a computerised tomography scanner to look inside Kinder Surprise eggs and find out which figure was hidden inside without having to open the egg first. The contents of the surprise eggs were then examined in more detail using electron and light microscopes.

At the Institute of Vehicle Systems Engineering, too, hands-on participation was expressly encouraged. The young visitors learnt how hydraulics work, how a vehicle’s gearbox is constructed, and were then allowed to operate it themselves.

Behind the door of the Institute for Operations Management and Logistics, the children were able to see how goods are transported automatically in a large warehouse. At the automated small-parts warehouse, small boxes containing fizzy drinks and sweets were handed out to the visitors. At a Lego building station, the young researchers also created their own ‘desert speedsters’ – small Lego vehicles that they designed themselves.

At the Institute for Design and CA Technologies, visitors were able to take a look behind the scenes of modern production during an interactive laboratory tour. They learnt how finished products are created from numerous individual production steps in a factory and discovered how a 3D printer works.

The ‘Maus’ Open Day thus offered a varied insight into the diverse technical subjects at the THU. In keeping with the spirit of inquiry that the university aims to foster in young people, the day focused on hands-on trying things out, experimenting and the joy of discovery.

This special day was made possible by the commitment of numerous volunteers, whose dedication and enthusiasm helped to bring technology and research to life for the young visitors in a vivid and engaging way.

Image: At the ‘Maus’ Door-Opener Day’ at the THU, the little ones were able to try things out, discover and experiment for themselves.

Image source: Ulm University of Applied Sciences