May 20, 2026
Saxon State Minister for the Environment and Agriculture visits the Chair of Agricultural Systems Technology
The Saxon State Minister for the Environment and Agriculture, Georg-Ludwig von Breitenbuch, inspecting the agrothermal system setup
Saxon State Minister von Breitenbuch visits the orchard robot ELWOBOT II with the hydrogen power cell attached
On Monday, April 20, 2026, the Saxon State Minister for the Environment and Agriculture, Georg-Ludwig von Breitenbuch, visited the Chair of Agricultural Systems Engineering at the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the TUD Dresden University of Technology. He was also joined by Mr. Daniel Gellner, head of the agriculture and forestry department at the state ministry.
The focus of the visit was an exchange on current research projects and the role of the institution in the regional and global innovation landscape.
Professor Thomas Herlitzius, Chairholder and Head of the Institute of Natural Materials Technology, presented the core research areas and explained how the Chair's developments contribute to the sustainable use of natural resources and to overcoming global challenges. The connections and long-standing collaborations with Saxon agriculture and industry were also highlighted.
After an introduction to the Chair's work, members of staff provided insights into current projects dealing with innovative machines and processes for agriculture.
Inspection of the combine harvester test and validation facilities
A tour of the site then led to various stations where modern machine systems, laboratories and test facilities were presented. Not only were technical details discussed, but the importance of these developments for Saxon agriculture and industry as well as for global markets was also emphasized.
The visit provided a platform for a lively dialog between science and politics, and perspectives were discussed on how university research can continue to contribute to sustainable development and strengthen competitiveness.
Field robot ELWOBOT II and Agrothermal deployment system at the ZINT