Today, we visited Aumovio and Regensburg. Before visiting, I had never heard of Aumovio and had only received a short introduction from the presenting group the previous week. Aumovio was established in 2025 as a spin-off from Continental AG’s Automotive division. They focus on vehicle electronics, software-defined systems, and mobility solutions for safe, connected, and autonomous driving.
We then got to explore the factory area. Since such fragile materials were being made inside the factory, we had to wear special covers over our shoes and protective coats to avoid damaging any of the electronics being produced. I didn’t have many expectations for what the factory would look like since I had only recently learned about the company itself. However, the inside was unlike anything I had seen before.
Companies like KUKA and BMW began their manufacturing processes with robotics and automation, but toward the end relied more on human involvement. However, Aumovio’s systems were completely automated throughout the entire process we observed. The company understands how even a small human error can have a major impact. One employee mentioned that they produce 100,000 chips per day, meaning that if production stops for even a minute, it can significantly reduce daily output. By keeping the process fully automated, they greatly reduce risk.
This tour gave me a new perspective on why automation is so important in companies. It makes vehicles more reliable and less likely to face recalls when systems are programmed to repeat the same precise motions for years without interruption.
After the discussion and tour, we headed into the city of Regensburg. It was such a beautiful city and the first one we visited where it stayed sunny the entire time. We crossed into the city on a short bridge that felt like stepping into a fairytale. The buildings were colorful, each painted differently, and the city was extremely walkable with very few cars around.
During our free time, a group of us explored shops and visited some historic buildings. One of the places we visited was St. Peter’s Cathedral. The inside of the church was spectacular. It was very dark inside, and we were told to spend about five minutes adjusting to the lighting before fully appreciating the architecture and details of the space.
To end our trip to Regensburg, we toured an old torture chamber. It was so interesting to see how crimes were handled in the past and how even small offenses could lead to public humiliation or serious punishment. It was hard to imagine how much history had unfolded within a single room. One method used for quarreling partners involved placing them in wooden cuffs and forcing them to stand face-to-face for a set amount of time. It was fascinating to learn about a side of history that is not often discussed.
Tomorrow, we have our final company visit!