Data as the Key to Innovation: Making BOB and BUDDEL Smarter

At Stern Technic, theory and practice go hand in hand. Our vision, "Trenchless Construction 5.0," is not only based on technological innovations but particularly on comprehensive and systematic data collection. Continuous measurement and analysis of operational data are therefore central to our development process.

At our dedicated testing site located at the premises of our cooperation partner Sax + Klee on Mannheim's Friesenheimer Island, we regularly conduct detailed test series. Here, we simulate a wide range of soil conditions—from loose sand to firmer layers—to closely examine and continuously optimize the performance of our devices, BOB and BUDDEL.

uring testing, we capture numerous parameters in real-time, such as thrust force, propulsion speed, energy consumption, and sensor data for precise positioning. These data form the basis for our algorithms, which continuously improve through machine learning, allowing us to determine the optimal drilling strategy for various operational conditions.

However, our data collection efforts extend beyond the test site. To generate additional operational data and broaden the range of applications, we currently conduct practical tests in private settings. For friends and acquaintances, we install conduits in home gardens for wallbox installations and water hoses. These real-world applications provide invaluable insights into how BOB and BUDDEL perform under everyday conditions. Additionally, these tests enable us to develop new functionalities directly "on the Edge," facilitating real-time decision-making during operations.

Our philosophy is clear: The better we understand our devices and their performance, the more efficiently and sustainably they can be deployed. The collected data not only helps optimize our products but also directly informs our AI-powered assistant, WENDY, which will make operating BOB and BUDDEL even smarter and safer in the future.

At Stern Technic, we firmly believe that data-driven innovation is the key to the future of trenchless construction. The next generation of smart infrastructure starts right here—with every test and every data point collected.