“Robots will save the world” was the idea based on which the student teams from 22 European technical universities from 16 countries were developing solutions during the 14th international course organised by BEST Kaunas student organisation. On their initiative, the Kaunas University of Technology Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design hosted the course at KTU this autumn.
“After this course, I will have a fresh outlook toward my studies and a new motivation. Humanity will not survive without robots in the future, so I am glad to have the opportunity to get to know this field in my first study year,” says Mantas, one of the participants of the course, a first-year mechanical engineering student at KTU.
In addition to designing machines to tackle important human problems, the student teams spent a week building working prototypes.
Thus, the robots to fight fires and clean up the ocean floor or air pollution were developed. One team took a creative approach to the challenge and created a robot that makes smoothies for better emotional health.
There is a shortage of professionals who want to change the world for the better
The need for robotics and engineering professionals is increasing in all industries. According to the main training partner Ignitis Grupė’s #EnergySmartSTART Educational Programme Manager Vaiva Rutkauskaitė, there is a need for professionals who understand and implement technologies that can change the world for the better.
“There is a shortage of specialists in the energy sector – it is predicted that by 2030 Lithuania will need at least 2,500 additional energy specialists. Robotics courses improve knowledge, skills, structured thinking and an engineering approach to problem-solving, teamwork, partnership and responsibility,” says Rutkauskaitė.
During the course, participants gained the knowledge needed to build prototypes of robots that can “save the world” by listening to lectures given by lecturers from the KTU Department of Manufacturing Engineering, the Department of Transport Engineering and the Institute of Mechatronics.
Each day, working in teams, students put their knowledge of robot design and principles into practice using a challenge-based learning approach.
This approach is particularly effective in solving real-world problems, and it not only helps to deepen professional knowledge, but also to develop general skills such as teamwork, time management, and communication, which are essential in any field. According to Saulius Bitinas, Managing Director of Hollister Lietuva, the partner of the BEST engineering course, skills in related fields provide a broader range of competencies, broaden thinking and enable more creative problem-solving.
“Interdisciplinary knowledge enhances career prospects and allows you to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the job market. This creates a solid foundation for future professional success, as the ability to work with complex, multi-disciplinary systems is becoming increasingly important in the world of technology,” says Bitinas.
Rasa Kandrotaitė-Janutienė, associate professor at KTU, who coordinated the academic part of the course, agrees with him: “A successful career in engineering requires theoretical knowledge, the ability to apply several disciplines to solve complex problems, and practical skills – and during the course, the students were introduced to all of these areas.”
Not merely robotics, but also experiencing new cultures
BEST (Board of European Students of Technology) brings together technology universities across Europe to organise international courses based on interdisciplinary learning throughout the year in different countries.
Participants said the International Robotics Course encouraged them to discover a new approach to problem-solving. “The opportunity to talk to experts and students from different countries gave me the chance not only to exchange ideas and get invaluable advice from professionals in the field but also to look at challenges from a different angle,” said Olha from Ukraine.
The benefits of attending such courses went beyond the new robotics knowledge and skills acquired. Throughout the week, after completing the daily tasks, there were social and cultural activities to introduce the participants to the peculiarities of living in Kaunas, Lithuania and to the culture of other European countries.
The students from abroad visited museums and explored the city’s landmarks and places of interest during orienteering competitions; they got acquainted with Lithuanian cuisine – were tasting šaltibarščiai. There was even a simulation of a traditional Lithuanian wedding, where various traditions and customs were tried out. Everyone had the opportunity to showcase their country’s culture: during the international evening, a large group of international students introduced their cuisine and traditions of different countries.
The organisers of the event BEST Kaunas would like to thank their partners Ignitis Grupė, Hollister Lietuva, Continental, Lemona Electronics, Dematic, Mantinga, Liūtukas ir Ko, KTU Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design for the opportunity to implement this project. They extend their gratitude to the participants who contributed to the success of the event.
