HIMA FUN SAFE 2024: Virtual 3D Conference Brings Young Talents to the World of Functional Safety

Nov. 20, 2024 - The HIMA Group, a leading global provider of safety-related automation solutions, hosted the second edition of "HIMA FUN SAFE" from Nov. 13-14. A total of 200 people took part in the conference, and they could choose among 30 presentations. The 3D digital conference offered young engineers and those interested in technology a practical introduction to the world of functional safety. The idea for the digital conference was developed as part of "HIMA SAFETY NAVIGATOR," a digital learning platform that was created in HIMA's own Innovation Lab himalaya.
 
The aim of the HIMA FUN SAFE Conference is to attract new talents, promote exchange between industry and universities and thus sustainably improve the protection of people, assets and the environment worldwide.

The online conference goes beyond classic online seminars. Participants were not only able to follow lectures and discussions, but also move around in an innovative 3D environment reminiscent of a virtual trade fair. This platform allowed the students to present their own projects and get in touch with industry experts. The format uses elements of gamification to make complex content easily accessible.

Dr. Holger Manteufel, head of the HIMA Academy, explained: "Through playful elements and a digital learning environment, we were able to make the topic of functional safety attractive and inspire the next generation. It is important that digital learning modules need a didactically sound approach–we took this into account during development."
 

Networking platform for international industry and universities

The content of the conference came not only from HIMA and the OT security partner genua, but also from the universities themselves: Professors and students from universities in Mannheim, Cologne, Hamburg, Hanover, Singapore and Padua were represented with their own lectures. The conference offered ample opportunity for networking. "Breakout Rooms" enabled direct conversations between participants, HIMA experts and other students. The focus was on open exchange and potential career opportunities in the security industry.

"The conference was a great opportunity for our students to experience the important but dry topic of 'functional safety' in an entertaining way. Through the exchange with industry experts and students from other universities, they were able to enrich their knowledge and make important contacts," reported Dr. Margret Bauer, professor of Automation Technology at HAW Hamburg.

The digital learning platform 'HIMA SAFETY NAVIGATOR' was created in the company's own Innovation Lab himalaya. The idea for the digital conference was developed as part of "HIMA SAFETY NAVIGATOR,"  the digital learning platform for functional safety. This was the result of an internal innovation competition and was developed in HIMA's Innovation Lab himalaya.

"Our digital 3D conference HIMA FUN SAFE and the new online learning portal HIMA SAFETY NAVIGATOR are perfect examples of our digitalization strategy #safetygoesdigital. Both would not have been conceivable without our own Innovation Lab himalaya," emphasized Jörg de la Motte, CEO of HIMA Group.

Students, young professionals, and other technical professionals can use the online learning portal that is part of HIMA SAFETY NAVIGATOR to acquire and deepen their knowledge of functional safety. Through short learning units, interactive exercises and case studies, complex content is conveyed in an understandable way. In the cooperation between security experts, learning experts and digital experts, an innovative learning format has been created.

The initiative combines innovation, practical relevance and addressing future talents and contributes to the long-term strategy of disseminating knowledge about functional safety globally. The online learning platform, which will initially be aimed at universities and colleges, will also be offered to customers from the process industry as a learning platform for the training and further education of skilled workers and new employees in the future. In initial discussions, there was a great need for the HIMA SAFETY NAVIGATOR and the first projects are already underway.

About HIMA Group

The HIMA Group is a global independent provider of safety-related automation solutions for the process and rail industries that protect people, assets, and the environment from harm. Founded in 1908, the family-owned company is headquartered in Brühl, near Mannheim, (Germany).

The HIMA Group employs approx. 1050 employees in 22 group companies worldwide. Regional centers are located in Breda, the Netherlands (Europe, HIMA Benelux), Stockport, England (UK, Sella Controls), Kristiansand, Norway (Scandinavia, Origo Solutions), Singapore (North and South East Asia, HIMA Asia-Pacific), Perth (Australia and New Zealand, HIMA Australia), Shanghai (HIMA China), Dubai, United Arab Emirates (HIMA Middle East) and Houston, USA (North America, HIMA Americas).