When machines learn to see - and ski service is rethought

What happens when innovation is not explained, but experienced? When a technical question gives rise to an aha moment?

The Long Night of Research at WINTERSTEIGER made exactly that possible - and impressively demonstrated how close research and practice already are today.

Numerous visitors - young and old, families and technology enthusiasts - took the opportunity to experience research where it is created. In the assembly hall, the main theme of Machine Vision & Machine Learning showed how modern cameras and intelligent software analyze, evaluate and continuously improve real processes.

How intelligent is a ski service machine?

At the heart of the sports station was a question that immediately caught the attention of many: Can a machine independently assess how badly damaged a ski is? The answer to this question was not explained in theory, but demonstrated live. Visitors experienced how image processing and software interact in a fully automated ski service machine. A camera image is enough to precisely analyze the condition of the ski and create the basis for a perfectly coordinated, individual ski service. The test stand from the Testcenter Sports was used for this - a direct view into our daily development work. Interest was particularly high in the first few hours. Processes were explained, background information made clear and questions answered in detail. It was precisely this personal exchange that made high-tech tangible and allayed any fears of contact.

Hands-on research

What remains of this evening are not only full stations and curious glances, but above all the realization of how much potential there is in modern ski service technology. The Long Night of Research showed that innovation is particularly effective when it is understandable, transparent and approachable.

A big thank you to all our colleagues who made this evening possible. Together, we impressively demonstrated what research at WINTERSTEIGER Sports looks like: practical, well thought-out and future-oriented.