How are modern prototypes actually created—and how do light, code, and creative craftsmanship come together to form something new? The Lichtwerkstatt, the open “Machbar” workshop at the Abbe Center of Photonics, invites you to experience exactly that firsthand: a world where ideas become tangible and digital technologies can be experienced with your hands.
At our booth, we’ll show you how traditional craftsmanship and modern technology blend together in a playful way. Our digital embroidery machines translate vector graphics directly into intricate thread patterns—a dynamic intersection of graphic design, textile design, and digital control. The laser cutter cuts and engraves intricate shapes from wood or acrylic right before your eyes, revealing how digital designs are transformed into precise physical objects.
If you’d like to get hands-on, you can build your own small circuits at our soldering stations: Colorful LEDs are combined into glowing objects that you can take home at the end of the evening. This way, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) isn’t just explained—it’s experienced.
In addition to the hands-on stations, we’ll showcase selected projects from our community and the Lichtwerkstatt courses. They impressively demonstrate the diverse ways in which science communication, optics, photonics, and IoT solutions can be designed—from artistic light installations to functional sensors.
We’ll be on hand all evening to provide insights into the makerspace, answer questions, and explore with you how you can use the workshop for your own ideas. Whether you’re taking your first steps in digital craftsmanship or already have specific project ideas in mind—you’ll find inspiration, support, and the right tools here.
Come by, let us surprise you, and take home your very own handmade glowing keepsake!
What’s on the agenda:
- Soldering circuits (ages 15 and up)
- Quantum experiments (ages 16 and up)
- Building spectroscopes (ages 12 and up)
- Christmas decorations using an embroidery machine and a laser cutter
