Safely through the dark: drone concept from the design academic study programme brings light into the park

How can you make night-time walks safer - without floodlight surveillance or intrusive technology? Christian Stötzner, a second-year student on the Bachelor of Technical Design programme at Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI), has developed an idea that is as simple as it is effective: an accompanying drone with a light function.

Safe on the move: The drone developed by Christian Stötzner provides discreet support (Photo: Michael Simon).

Anything but over the top: Stötzner focuses on a successful balance of form and function (Photo: Michael Simon).

Late evening in the city park. The paths are in the shade, somewhere there is a rustling in the bushes. Suddenly, a cone of light bathes the path in soft, clear light - guided by a quietly whirring drone hovering protectively above the person walking. What sounds futuristic is part of a study project at Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt.

Christian Stötzner, a student in his second semester of Technical Design, has designed an innovative drone system under the supervision of Professor Erik Schneider. His idea: more safety on dark paths - with a mobile light source that discreetly accompanies you without being obtrusive.

"Many people know the feeling of being out alone at night and feeling uncomfortable," says the 25-year-old. "I wanted to design a technical product that offers support at precisely these moments."

The drone was developed in Kärcher's typical design style - functional, compact and clear in its design language. The housing was created using 3D printing, the system has a modular structure and can be expanded in the future - for example to include an emergency call function or sensors for recognising the environment. The concept was successfully trialled in an initial test flight.

Stötzner comes from Wittenberg, trained as a technical product designer and then decided to enrol on an academic study programme in Ingolstadt. Creativity has accompanied him since his childhood: "I want to make design understandable and suitable for everyday use - it shouldn't be outlandish, but create real added value."

His project shows how Technical Design can provide practical solutions to social challenges - while convincingly combining form and function.

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