Without its numerous and highly dedicated partners from business and industry, the CAPTN initiative would be missing something crucial – namely the N for Network. We take great pride in our extensive network of partners who support university researchers with their expertise. Together, we are working on the autonomous mobility of the future.
Below, we introduce some of these companies and explain the roles they play in our projects.
ADDIX
ADDIX develops and operates a robust digital infrastructure that enables fail-safe, real-time communication between ship and shore. Based on the Hörn Campus in Kiel, the company aims to lay the foundation for remote control and, in the future, autonomous control of the research vessel MS WaveLab through innovative research and technological advancements. ADDIX is therefore actively involved in the CAPTN Fjord Areal and Fjord 5G projects.
At the core of its research is the development of a state-of-the-art communication box that intelligently integrates multiple transmission channels (Wi-Fi, 5G, satellite) and enables automated routing based on signal strength. ADDIX’s approach includes dynamically adapting the video data being transmitted to the available bandwidth (adaptive communication), ensuring that only relevant image sections with movement are transmitted. A specialized algorithm efficiently compresses these video data, allowing high-quality video images to be used in the control center for situational assessment despite their small file size. Additionally, ADDIX operates the PBX* telephony infrastructure to ensure reliable voice communication between the ship and shore.
*PBX stands for “Private Branch Exchange.” It is a private telephone system within a company or organization that enables internal calls between employees, as well as receiving and forwarding external calls.
“ADDIX brings its extensive expertise and many years of experience in digitalization to the CAPTN initiative. Through our research-oriented work, we aim to develop innovative solutions for the challenges of tomorrow and actively shape the future of mobility. Our commitment is focused on finding practical solutions to global and local challenges such as climate change and labor shortages and implementing them through applied research and development.” Björn Schwarze, Managing Director, ADDIX
AVL Deutschland
AVL Deutschland GmbH is conducting research within the CAPTN Fjord 5G project in collaboration with Kiel University and other industry partners on new methods and tools for validating future mobility systems, particularly in the field of highly automated, electrified, and connected shipping. The company contributes its expertise as a provider of simulation, test bench, and measurement technology.
AVL is developing a so-called virtual test field, where programs, algorithms, and assumptions for autonomous navigation on the Kiel Fjord are simulated – meaning they are tested on a computer. Only when these maneuvers prove viable in the virtual environment are they approved for testing in the real-world test field on the water.
“The Fjord 5G project provides AVL with the opportunity to prototype the latest methods and development tools, particularly in the field of simulation, using the example of the autonomous ferry WAVELAB in Kiel.” Christian Schyr, Project Manager, AVL Deutschland
thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkms)
Among others, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkms) is a founding member of CAPTN e.V. and an integral part of the CAPTN perspective team. This means the company is involved in the overarching exchange of information on current regional developments, project status reports within the CAPTN project landscape, the evaluation of future projects, and the strategic development of the CAPTN initiative.
tkms claims to be a leading developer of new technologies and a system provider for non-nuclear submarines, naval vessels, and new above- and underwater technologies in Europe. As part of the CAPTN initiative, the company seeks to contribute its expertise in all areas of energy supply, generation, and storage, thus playing a role in the maritime energy transition.
tkms also sees the CAPTN initiative as an opportunity for workforce development. Collaborative research projects strengthen regional universities in key innovation areas, which in turn improves opportunities for young professionals in the industry. For thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and its industry partners, the CAPTN initiative provides the chance to participate in and actively shape future-oriented innovations.
“Together with our regional alliance partners, we aim to develop and implement innovative and, above all, practical solutions for the use and provision of renewable energy for maritime applications, positively influencing the transformation in the CAPTN region.” Martin Schmitt, Project Manager R&D, Technology Management (RDP), tkms
r2p Group
The goal of the CAPTN Flex project is to collect and process traffic-relevant data from a metropolitan region and create a real-time situational overview. Using machine learning methods, models for traffic situation forecasts and corresponding recommendations for action will be developed.
Flensburg-based r2p GmbH contributes its expertise in the collection and processing of vehicle and traffic data to the project.
According to the company, the r2p Group is a leading provider of intelligent hardware and software solutions for the transport sector. Its stated mission is to promote public transport (PT) worldwide and make it the preferred mode of transportation by offering safe, sustainable, and efficient mobility solutions of the highest quality standards.
Collaboration with the CAPTN initiative, particularly with researchers from Kiel University, offers the company the opportunity to integrate talented students and researchers into the project. This brings new ideas and perspectives while simultaneously fostering future professionals. Additionally, synergies arise from the combination of practical experience and expertise in traffic data collection and processing with the theoretical knowledge and research skills of Kiel University. In r2p’s view, this leads to more efficient and effective solutions.
"By collecting and processing traffic-relevant data and creating real-time situational overviews, the CAPTN initiative contributes to optimizing public transport (PT). This promotes sustainable mobility solutions that are more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient."
Flemming Kær, Chief Executive Officer, r2p
(Translated with the assistance of ChatGPT)
