YKE and student day: Fieldlab SMART BASE
On Friday 20 October, about 14 students and some more mature engineers from industry visited the 'Smart Base' fieldlab during the annual 'youth event' of the KIVI Defence and Security Department. The visit started well on time at 9 a.m. with coffee from a thermo-mug (which was allowed to take home) and cake in one of the more comfortable tents where it is 'doable' on mission.
This was followed by a brief introduction about the Smart Base fieldlab and a tour of the site where various set-ups made it clear what this collaboration between government, research institutes and industry is actually about. The subject matter was not gone into too much depth so that the participants could then go completely 'fresh' in two groups to work on their own with ideas on the design of a sustainable base. One group focused on minimising the logistics footprint while the other explored the possibilities of using drones for safety and security. Both groups were accompanied by some military personnel.
After lunch, the groups presented their ideas and findings to each other followed by the second part of the programme. This looked at ways in which a base - built up during a longer or shorter mission - can still have value for the local population after the mission. Again, participants were invited to share their ideas.
At 4 p.m., an inspiring and intensive day in Soesterberg ended with drinks after which everyone went home.
Jeanine Schaapman, Logistics Engineering student at Christelijke Hogeschool Windesheim said:
"I experienced the visit to the fieldlab SmartBase as a very instructive day. I especially liked that there were many different perspectives and that everyone could contribute their own expertise. Personally, I thought group size was perfect for this. Also nice that the soldiers told personal stories, this made the subject come alive even more."
Description
KIVI inspires, connects and supports young and aspiring engineers at the beginning of their careers. And what could be more inspiring than a visit to a location where engineering is combined with social commitment, sustainability, innovation.
On 20 October, come and see the Royal Netherlands Army's SMART BASE fieldlab project. This 'testing ground' is a collaboration of the golden triangle of defence, industry and knowledge institutes. Here, solutions are being developed that will allow the armed forces to meet the very diverse challenges now and in the future; including during deployments. Not only in war situations - with a high or low violence spectrum - but also, for example, in times of crisis as a result of natural disasters.
What is a Smart Base?
A Smart Base is a small city in a remote and inhospitable country in which military personnel live and work and from where operations are managed. This is where everything necessary to conduct these operations properly and safely comes together; from healthcare to communications and from food supply to training. And all in the smallest possible area. Defence constantly needs new ideas and concepts to quickly and smartly build, equip and maintain (maintain) a base. Under changing circumstances.
What will you do during the visit?
During the visit, you will have the opportunity to see how innovation is handled within Defence, but you will also be challenged to help think about solutions for the future. Sustainability, smart building in extreme environments, energy supply, communication, transport, ergonomics...
Programme
This day consists of:
--> Guided tour fieldlab SMART BASE
--> Challenges Defence is looking for technical solutions for:
- 1. Life cycle principles at compounds
- 2. Energy/Sustainability
- 3. Drone use
- 4. Applications 3D printing
--> Lunch in the SMART BASE
--> Presentation results challenges by participants
--> Drinks with snack, chat and look around
There will be a bus from Amersfoort station to Camp Soesterberg at 08:30. You will be brought back at 15:30. There is also ample parking space.
When registering, please let us know whether you will be using this bus.
Participation is only possible if you have Dutch nationality or that of a member state of the European Union.
Identification is compulsory. This will be checked on arrival.
Registration is possible until 17 Oct 2017
Location
Het Zeisterspoor 10, 3769AP Soesterberg
Organiser
Defence and Security
Defence
Name and contact details for information
Jan Wind, chairman Defence and Security