The Robot Week at the Silesian University of Technology has begun
The debate “Drones in defence and security of the country,” first aid workshops using VR and XR technologies and LEGO robotics workshops – this is how the first day of Robot Week at the Silesian University of Technology was inaugurated. The event takes place as part of the European City of Science Katowice 2024 celebrations.
During the event, various types of applications and industries in which robots, robotics and automation will be presented. – “We try to reach all groups of recipients. We have prepared activities not only for students and researchers, but also for primary and secondary school pupils. We assume that staff must be educated from an early age If pupils at school are inspired by robotics, there is a greater chance that they will choose technical studies in the future” - said Dr Eng. Aldona Rosner, curator of Robot Week.
The Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering and Industrial Automation was involved in the organisation of the event. “Our goal is primarily to educate young generations using the latest technologies. During the Robot Week, we want to show pupils our modern laboratory base and also enable them to contact academic teachers who will provide knowledge in the field of robotization and automation in an accessible way” – added Dr Hab. Eng. Anna Manowska, Prof. SUT, Vice-Dean for Infrastructure and Organization of the Faculty of Mining.
The Robot Week was inaugurated by the debate “Drones in defence and security of the country,” which took place at the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering, and Industrial Automation of the Silesian University of Technology. The guests were welcomed by Dr Eng. Aldona Rosner and Dr Hab. Eng. Anna Manowska, Prof. SUT.
The honorary patronage over the event was taken by Dr Hab. Piotr Gawliczek, professor at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn and director of NATO DEEP eAcademy.
“It is a great honour for me to take part in this debate. It is an event of special importance, also because of the day of November 11, because it is a date close to the heart of every Pole” - says Prof. Piotr Gawliczek. – “For the first time I am within the walls of the Silesian University of Technology, and I have the privilege to have the first impression, which will not be repeated. Of course, it is the best, but my attention was particularly drawn to the building of the Student Creativity Centre. This is our future, so that young people will reflect there on ideas how to use modern solutions that we have in tasks from every sphere of our lives.”
The debate consisted of two panels: “Drones for Defence” and “Drones for Security.” Representatives of various environments took part in it: science, business, self-government or GOPR, presenting various observations. Thirteen soldiers from Silesian Territorial Defence Brigade also attended the debate.
During the discussion, topics of modern unmanned technologies, their application in monitoring, border protection and military, exploration, flood, and fire activities were discussed. The experts also discussed the challenges related to security and legal regulations concerning the use of drones in the field of defence. The participants emphasized that we cannot fail to notice the presence of drones and robots in our daily lives, but there is still a need for public education and confidence building.
"After a period when most people were delighted with drones, there came a time when various barriers arose, including legal and social acceptance" - explains Dr Hab. Eng Roman Czyba, Prof. SUT. “The drone is a great tool, but we have to realize that it can also harm us. There is a perception in society that these machines have not yet reached the safety limit to be able to operate in autonomous mode. Therefore, it takes time and work to face these barriers and overcome them step by step.”
After the debate, adult participants attended first aid workshops using VR and XR technologies and LEGO robotics workshops.
First aid workshops combined traditional techniques with modern VR (Virtual Reality) technology. Thanks to VR simulations, participants could practice different scenarios of saving lives in a realistic, virtual environment.
- “The participants could also see what a trainer for putting on a compression band looks like, how to dress a gunshot or amputation wound, or simply how to save someone's life” - said Marcin Szwaczka, one of the leaders of the workshop.
A little younger participants took part in LEGO robotics workshops, during which they built and programmed a tank. It was a great opportunity to develop their technical skills, creativity and learn more about mechanics and robotics.
- “In addition to having fun, learning programming, kids also learn how to work in a team. These days, teamwork is very important, because it allows to achieve much higher goals than if we worked alone “- said Dr Eng. Aleksandra Mierzejowska, who led the workshops.
Other events in Robot Week are ahead of us. Details can be found on the website: https://program.miastonauki.pl/tydzien-robotow.
The text by Jolanta Skwaradowska and Martin Huć
