The TU Dresden in Hoyerswerda

What’s behind it?

The Smart Mobility Lab (SML) – Research Campus Lausitz is an initiative of the Technical University of Dresden (TUD). In collaboration with representatives from local authorities, industry, and politics, the project is continuously evolving in line with regional conditions and research priorities.

In simple terms, the SML is about integrating automated and cooperative driving, flying, and robotics as a technological super-accelerator for the mobility of tomorrow on roads, in fields, and in the air. Additionally, the focus is on building state-of-the-art research infrastructure and creating a software ecosystem to foster an active start-up scene.

The SML is physically anchored in Hoyerswerda, in the industrial area of the Schwarzkollm district. By the end of 2026, the Lausitz Research Campus is set to be established here, consisting of three areas: an aesthetically appealing testing hall covering 10,000 square meters, a second building with offices and seminar rooms, and an outdoor test track.

Warehouses, garages, workshops, laboratories, and charging stations for vehicle batteries will be integrated, and the office area will also serve as a showcase. Additionally, large spoil heaps around Hoyerswerda and Elsterheide are to be used as test sites for reclamation robotics.

Research internships, block seminars, international summer schools, and school projects, among others, bring researchers and students to the region and contribute to the development of skills that will be needed in the economy in the future.

Furthermore, further education and qualification opportunities will also be provided for skilled workers in the region. These will not only cover topics such as mobility and robotics, but also include know-how for technology transfer and start-ups, the assumption of management tasks, quality management, engineering skills, and other region-specific needs.

In the medium term, the SML aims to create 300 new jobs. In addition to researchers, skilled workers in administrative and craft sectors will also be required.

As part of the SivaS-project, initial data has already been collected in Hoyerswerda, which will contribute to further research.

To engage the local community, the so-called MITMACHLabor was also opened in the Neustadt district of Hoyerswerda. This is a meeting point for local residents, where they can learn more about the topics of the SML and actively participate in the scientific process.

Construction progress update.

Construction is in full progress. On the GOLDBECK project page, you can watch the construction live. In addition to a live camera, there is also a time-lapse video and more.

Short description

• Integration of automated and cooperative driving, flying, and robotics as a technological super-accelerator for the mobility of tomorrow on roads, in fields, and in the air.
• Development of state-of-the-art research infrastructure.
• Development, approval, and technical supervision of automated and connected driving.
• Testing and certification of unmanned aerial vehicles and reclamation robotics.
• Creation of a software ecosystem for an active start-up scene.
• Living lab for digital-based mobility technologies.
• Concentration and combination of unique research infrastructure and equipment, such as highly immersive driving simulators, drone and robotics technologies, along with national and international expertise.
• Building sustainable and lasting structures.

Contribution to structural change:

• Creation of around 300 new jobs with various qualifications.
• Economic development/promotion: Establishment of start-ups, spin-offs, and contracts for the regional economy through conferences and congresses.
• Expansion of the city’s infrastructure.
• Education and skilled workforce through courses for master’s students from TUD in Hoyerswerda.
• Cultural diversity through international students and employees.

Source: https://tu-dresden.de/forschung-transfer/strukturwandel/sml

Facts and figures