Since late 2025, the Innovation Tank gGmbH has been supporting the city of Heidelberg and local gastronomy businesses with the HEAR (Heidelberg Acoustic Research) project in implementing active and future-oriented noise management. The goal is to record noise pollution objectively and transparently, thereby sustainably improving coexistence in the city center.
As part of the research project, smart sensors that continuously measure public and environmental noise were installed at strategic locations in the old town. The data collection is completely GDPR-compliant.
Based on this data, two automated alert systems have already been successfully put into practice during the project: A direct notification enables gastronomy operators to self-regulate early on, while a digital dashboard specifically informs the municipal public order office (KOD). This creates a reliable noise situation picture that can serve as an evidence-based foundation for all further municipal actions.
