Nexon

An exhibition of selected research and start-up projects took place at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences as part of the 2025 Start-up Day. The interdisciplinary research project Nexon was among the contributions presented.

Interested visitors were able to obtain comprehensive information both via the project poster on display and in direct discussions with the project team. Nexon was represented on site by Rani Schilling (Department 6 Electrical, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering) and Janine Mühle (Department 1 Agriculture, Ecotrophology and Landscape Development). Both explained the goals and results of the project to date, provided insights into the interdisciplinary collaboration and presented the prototype of the newly developed nest, including the integrated marking system for eggs.

They were supported by a special "team member": the plush goose assistant Hans, who attracted additional attention as a humorous representative of the real animal participants.

Prof. Dr. Markus Holz, Vice-President for Research, Transfer and Sustainability at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, emphasized the importance of the project for sustainable Agriculture, animal welfare and resource conservation - values that Anhalt University of Applied Sciences stands for as a whole. The project is an example of how innovative technologies and the responsible use of natural resources can be brought together.

Project manager Prof. Dr. Stefan Twieg (Department 6) explained that the research project is proceeding according to plan. Nevertheless, the team still has a considerable workload ahead of it before the prototype is fully developed and can be transferred to series production in the future.

Prof. Dr. Heiko Scholz from Anhalt University of Applied Sciences presented his current research results from the Nexon project at the two-day GARCX 2025 conference, which took place from 10 to 11 November 2025 at the Dusit Thani Dubai in Dubai.

The theme of the conference was "One Health: Integrating Agriculture, Animal and Food Science for a Sustainable Future".

Prof. Scholz actively participated in the technical session "Integrated Innovations for Sustainable Agri-Systems & Smart Livestock Surveillance", in which he presented his work on the movement and husbandry technology of breeding geese - a central component of the Nexon project.

The presentation illustrated practical approaches to optimizing housing and free-range systems using intelligent measurement technology and algorithmic evaluation - with the aim of combining husbandry efficiency with animal welfare. The participation underlines the international relevance of the Nexon project and the strong position of Anhalt University of Applied Sciences in the field of interdisciplinary animal and agricultural research.

Prof. Dr. Heiko Scholz from Anhalt University of Applied Sciences presented current results from the Nexon research project at the 76th Annual Conference of the European Federation of Animal Science (EAAP), which took place in Innsbruck from 25 to 29 August 2025.

At the renowned international conference, Prof. Scholz presented his poster entitled "Analysis of crossing of differentiated gradient angles by breeding goose" in Session 80. The study examines innovative technological and behavioural approaches to optimize the housing conditions and exercise environment of breeding geese - a topic that is directly linked to the development goals of the Nexon project.

Particular attention was paid to the intelligent design of housing and exercise systems using modern measurement technology, machine learning methods and animal-friendly designs. The results provide valuable impetus for more efficient and animal welfare-oriented poultry farming and were received with great interest by international colleagues.

Participation in EAAP 2025 once again underlines the high scientific visibility of Anhalt University of Applied Sciences and the relevance of the Nexon project for the further development of sustainable animal husbandry systems in Europe.

On May 10, 2025, the University Information Day took place on Campus Bernburg. From school leavers and their parents to those changing degree courses and the curious - anyone interested was able to find out about the wide range of study options at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences in the Departments of Agriculture, Ecotrophology and Landscape Development and Economics, campus life and the experiences of current students.

A special highlight was the guided tour on the topic of Agriculture of the Future in the context of digital technologies and artificial intelligence. Visitors had the opportunity to meet the feathered team of the NEXON project, which lives on campus, and gain insights into the current state of research. Our protégés were happy to pose for selfies and present the prototype of their new nest, which they have been testing since the start of the laying period. Initial results are already available and will soon be published in a scientific article.

Stay tuned for more news!

While the scientific team of the Nexon project, led by Prof. Dr. Heiko Scholz, presented the innovative concept of the intelligent automated nest at the International Green Week 2025 in Berlin, our feathered colleagues had already tested the first prototype version of the nest. Our little beaks are really picky, so the prototype still needs to be improved. Although it's still too early to call it a success, we can definitely congratulate the team on the start of the test phase and data collection! Yay!

Anhalt University of Applied Sciences is delighted to once again be represented at this year's International Green Week in Berlin. With its research projects, it is setting a strong example for sustainable Agriculture and impressively demonstrating how science and practice can work together successfully.

One highlight is the presentation of the Nexon project - an intelligent, automated laying nest that not only optimizes egg laying, but also improves animal welfare and makes work processes in poultry farming more efficient. In the Saxony-Anhalt Hall, visitors were able to experience the innovative functions of the system first-hand and talk to Prof Dr Heiko Scholz and his team from the Department of Agriculture, Ecotrophology and Landscape Development.

Anhalt University of Applied Sciences is actively contributing to the future of Agriculture with pioneering research and will be presenting exciting solutions for sustainable animal husbandry at Green Week 2025.