Since the end of 2025, Innovation Tank gGmbH has supported the City of Heidelberg and local hospitality businesses in active, forward-looking noise management through Project HEAR (Heidelberg Acoustic Research). The aim is to capture noise levels objectively and transparently and to improve coexistence in the city centre in a lasting way.
As part of the research project, smart sensors were installed at strategic locations in the old town to continuously measure crowd and ambient noise. Data collection is fully compliant with data protection law. No conversations are recorded and no audio data is stored.
Two alerting systems in practice
On the basis of this data, two automated alerting systems have already been successfully put into practice during the project. A direct notification enables hospitality businesses to regulate themselves at an early stage, while a digital dashboard specifically informs the municipal public-order service (KOD). This produces a reliable noise profile that can serve as an evidence-based foundation for all further municipal courses of action.
HEAR thereby creates an objective, data-based foundation to bring vibrant nightlife, tourism and business into harmony with residents' need for quiet. A detailed account of the measurement principle, methodology and data protection can be found in the HEAR case study.
