Spotlight on DOCT: Successful Final Event of the Research Project in Sindelfingen
With the words “Welcome to your personal ride to the DOCT Final Event,” around 60 guests were welcomed by an AI-generated voice in the six-meter-long elevator leading to the exhibition hall – a fitting introduction to an impressive event that combined high-tech with experience. In the unique Heinrich Hertz Antenna Measurement Hall of Mercedes-Benz, visitors were greeted by a stunning setting.
A total of eight project partners, including OEMs, suppliers, research institutions, and technology partners, presented the results of three years of collaborative work in the DOCT (Digital OTA Connectivity Twin) research project. After a welcome address by Koray Sever, Senior Manager of Telecommunication Modules, Tollgate Systems and Antennas (Mercedes-Benz), who described the project as a "jointly created global vision," Johannes Springer (former Lead 5G Automotive, Deutsche Telekom) offered insights into the technical challenges of 5G communication in the automotive environment.
Following this, Kai Castro (Mercedes-Benz), the project lead, focused in her presentation on the core of the event – the Digital Twin Concept.
Through presentations and demos, it was demonstrated how the real world can be captured, relevant KPIs and scenarios defined, and the real world digitally modeled. Building on this, the process of data processing, clustering, and further refinement using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning was explained – leading up to the creation of a Digital Twin. The proof of concept impressively showcased how the Digital Twin Concept results in a stable, digital test environment that provides consistent and reproducible outcomes. In the measurement hall, both individual components and entire vehicles can be tested efficiently and resource-consciously – a significant step toward sustainable development and validation of vehicle connectivity.
An accompanying exhibition allowed participants to directly engage with project partners and take a closer look at practical applications. The event concluded with a series of short talks on innovative approaches and standardization.
“Over the course of 36 months, DOCT has impressively demonstrated what is possible through strong partnerships and shared innovation,” said Steffen Baumgärtner (Mercedes-Benz) in his closing speech. “A big thank-you goes to all involved – especially the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the EU, the project partners, and the project management team at EICT.
All information about the DOCT Final Event can be found here: FINAL EVENT
About DOCT:
The DOCT project (Digital Over-the-air Connectivity Twin) runs over a period of 36 months. The aim of the project, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Action, is to significantly increase the level of system security and accelerate the development of connectivity systems. Automated driving and infotainment functions used in parallel are placing increasingly complex demands on the modern connectivity system. Creating a digital development environment for secure and robust connectivity systems enables costs to be reduced and resources to be conserved. At the same time, complete validation of the cellular system can increase road safety. Last but not least, Germany as a business location also benefits by accelerating transformational innovations in the connectivity sector.
For further information about the project click here.