We were welcomed enthusiastically by the staff members and made to feel like VIP visitors! The students were first given an introduction on the company and its operations in Hefei. Then we were taken on a guided tour by several of the senior engineers who work there. We were shown the production line which featured hundreds of state-of-the-art robots working precisely and efficiently. Mr. Schinke, who was kind enough to lead the tour, explained in detail each of the steps on the production line. The students were astonished by the speed at which a car can be made and how many cars can be manufactured in a single day! 

A particular highlight was students being allowed to use VR goggles which simulated them being inside the production line, behind the safety barriers. Every student got a chance to try on the VR goggles!

After the tour, the students had many questions that Mr. Schinke was gracious enough to provide informative answers on. Then, of course, at the end, we had time for pictures and snacks!

Student Reflections

Based on the students filling out a reflection the following day, many of them were inspired to consider engineering as a career choice. It amplified the need for them to study hard in their subjects at school by essentially showing them what comes after school. Many of the students had their expectations for the trip shattered when they witnessed the technological precision, detail and accuracy of the enormous robotic structures they were greeted with. All in all, the students were very impressed by what they saw.