New Year’s Greetings from EXCIT3D: Looking Back at 2024 – and Forward to 2025
The year 2024 was another exciting and eventful time for us at EXCIT3D. Without a doubt, it was the most successful business year in our soon-to-be eight-year company history. Together with our partners and clients, we realized numerous projects spanning 3D printing, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and AI-driven demonstrators.
Key highlights: Willy Brandt, Fraunhofer IAO, AI studios, CERN, particle physics, the Goslar Cathedral, six museums in Kusel County, Penny, and much more.
Join us on a journey through the past year – from January to December 2024.
January 2024: Willy Brandt Bust for Rolf Mützenich
At the start of the year, a 3D-printed Willy Brandt bust created excitement. Our team modeled and printed this piece in various sizes and materials. On the initiative of Member of Parliament Ingo Schäfer, one bust was presented to Rolf Mützenich, chairman of the SPD parliamentary group. We were especially honored to contribute to this project, as Willy Brandt stands for freedom and democracy like no other.
➡ More about the Willy Brandt bust >>
February 2024: Award in Fraunhofer IAO’s Innovation Competition
In fall 2023, the Fraunhofer IAO launched an innovation competition for AI network partners. Seven teams were awarded a total of €1 million in funding – including EXCIT3D. Our VR/AI demonstrator impressed with its ability to showcase how AI can be applied across different professions. This mobile VR learning solution enables interactive experiences, providing practical insights into the future AI-supported workplace.
➡ More about the Fraunhofer IAO AI competition >>
March 2024 (1): Climate Protection Projects in Central America as a VR Experience
Together with the FSI Forum for Social Innovation gGmbH, we developed the Virtual Reality project “cards on the table”, which provides an immersive 360-degree view of the daily lives of young people in Nicaragua and Honduras. Visitors can virtually participate in mangrove reforestation projects or explore a women’s coffee production cooperative—bringing climate protection to life in a powerful and immersive way.
➡ More about “cards on the table” >>
March 2024 (2): Count and Archbishop Engelbert in 3D
For Schloss Burg Castle Association, we are digitizing 18 sculptures, reliefs, and stained glass windows related to Archbishop Engelbert I. This includes valuable motifs from Cologne Cathedral. Using drones and photogrammetry, we generate detailed 3D scans, which are then reproduced using 3D printing for the museum—making regional history more accessible and engaging.
➡ More about Count Engelbert in 3D >>
April 2024 (1): A New Virtual Advertising Format for PENNY, PION3ERS, and RTL AdAlliance
In collaboration with PENNY Germany, PION3ERS, and RTL AdAlliance, we developed a new advertising concept: products are integrated as digital 3D twins directly into the TV series “Unter Uns”. This creates a seamless connection between real-life storytelling and virtual placements, making product visualization more modern and cost-effective.
➡ More about the new 3D advertising format for PENNY in “Unter Uns” and GZSZ >>
April 2024 (2): Eberswalde 360° – Smart City at Its Best
The city of Eberswalde presents its highlights in urban life, arts & culture, history & architecture, and nature & recreation through a 360° virtual tour. Working closely with city marketing and Smart City representatives, we created an interactive platform that has been widely praised.
➡ More about Eberswalde in 360 degrees >>
May 2024: Röntgen Bust at Berlin’s Ku’damm
To honor Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, we produced a transparent, illuminated 3D bust for a radiology practice at Berlin’s Kurfürstendamm. Using 3D scan data from the German Röntgen Museum, we created a 40 cm tall model, offering a unique perspective on the discovery of X-rays.
➡ More about Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen at Berlin’s Ku’damm >>
June 2024: EXCIT3D Researches and Innovates
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has recognized us for a research project focused on advancing AI and Mixed Reality for individuals in need of care. The goal is to develop a system that facilitates therapy and social participation virtually, using AI-powered avatars that assist with physiotherapy exercises and communication.
➡ More about the BMBF certification >>
July 2024 (1): Anime 3D Character “Yuuki” Brings AI to Life
For onliveline GmbH, we brought the anime character “Yuuki” to life in 3D. Yuuki is designed to educate Takeda employees worldwide on AI-related topics through keynotes, interactive escape rooms, and ongoing training sessions via Microsoft Teams.
➡ More about Takeda’s virtual anime employee Yuuki >>
July 2024 (2): Fraunhofer IAO & EXCIT3D – AI in Construction
With the VR app “The Construction Pioneer”, we partnered with Fraunhofer IAO to showcase how AI can support construction projects from planning to completion. Users can explore a virtual construction site where AI-driven tools enhance inventory management, material distribution, and project tracking.
➡ More about the VR AI Construction Pioneer demonstrator for Fraunhofer IAO AI Studios >>
July 2024 (3): Industrial Heritage in Zug (Switzerland) as an AR Experience
A new app guides users through 12 historical sites in the city of Zug. Featuring a GPS-based tour guide, quizzes, and historical photos, it also includes 2D mini-games and 3D AR experiences, allowing local figures—such as railway pioneer Alfred Escher—to reappear as animated AR avatars.
➡ More about the Augmented Reality tour that brings Zug’s industrial history to life >>
August 2024: “The Particle Universe” – AR App for CERN’s Anniversary
For CERN’s 70th anniversary, we developed an Augmented Reality app in collaboration with the German LHC Office. This app features 10 interactive particle physics stations, allowing users to explore dark matter, the Higgs field, and the Big Bang in AR—guided by a 3D avatar named Kim.
➡ More about particle physics explained through AR >>
September 2024: Digital Museum Worlds in Kusel County
Working with Kusel County, we developed digital museum concepts featuring AR guides, 3D avatars, and interactive applications. These innovative formats make historical craftsmanship and regional culture engaging and educational.
➡ More about six museums in Kusel County using digital innovation >>
October 2024: Interactive Time Travel at Schloss Broich (Mülheim)
We launched our AR/VR project “Schloss Broich” in Mülheim. In collaboration with Mülheim’s City Marketing & Tourism GmbH, we are developing a virtual time-travel experience that explores the castle’s history. The app is set for completion in spring 2025, and we look forward to sharing more updates!
➡ More about the AR/VR project at Schloss Broich and an exciting journey through history >>
November 2024 (1): VR Demonstrators in Fraunhofer AI Studios
As part of the AI Studios, EXCIT3D developed three VR demonstrators showcasing how AI and Mixed Reality can enhance gastronomy, logistics, and construction. These applications run on Meta Quest 3 with hand-tracking and allow visitors to experience AI-driven workflows in immersive virtual scenarios.
➡ More about our VR AI demonstrators for Fraunhofer IAO AI Studios >>
November 2024 (2): WebAR Solutions for the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation
For the first time, Augmented Reality is being implemented directly in the browser as part of the “NaturschutzDigital” (Nature Conservation Digital) series. This allows users to view a seal or lizard in realistic 3D via ground-tracking or image-tracking, without the need to install an app.
➡ More about Augmented Reality for NaturschutzDigital >>
December 2024: The Virtual Goslar Cathedral
Only the cathedral’s vestibule remains today, but using 3D scans, VR, and AR, we are reconstructing the Goslar Cathedral to bring its history back to life. Supported by the “Future-Proof City Centers” funding program, this project also actively involves students.
➡ More about VR and AR in the reconstructed Goslar Cathedral >>
A Heartfelt Thank You and a Look Ahead to 2025
None of these projects would have been possible without your trust and collaboration. We extend our gratitude to our clients, partners, and friends of EXCIT3D for a successful 2024.
2025 promises new challenges and opportunities—from advanced AI integrations to research-driven VR solutions and sustainable 3D materials. Together, we will shape the future of 3D technology and continue bringing innovative ideas to life.
We wish you and your loved ones a happy, successful, and healthy New Year!
Best regards,
Your EXCIT3D Team