From sketch to reality: Building functional robots.

Where did your passion for robotics and technology come from?
I’ve actually been interested in technology for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, I watched many television programmes and YouTube videos presenting the latest technological achievements. They also explained how different types of machines and robots worked, which definitely stimulated my imagination and helped me expand my knowledge. I also dreamt of becoming an engineer in the future and building my own robots.

Who would you point to as your source of inspiration or mentor, and why?
It’s difficult to name just one specific person. In my work, both within the team and individually, I have drawn inspiration from the projects of many online creators. They explained the concepts behind their projects, demonstrated how they created them step by step, and shared the challenges they faced along the way.

How did the idea of creating the Magnolka Falcons team come about?
The idea for this team came from the previous team at our school, which ceased operations a few years earlier. Their main problem was a lack of people interested in robotics. When the members graduated, the team essentially stopped existing. However, the fact that a student-initiated team had already existed in the past gave me a lot to think about. Ultimately, I decided to gather a new group of robotics enthusiasts, and with the school authorities’ approval, we managed to revive the team.

Our activities primarily involve all aspects related to building our robot-from defining the concept, creating CAD designs, and compiling a list of parts, to assembly. But we didn’t stop there; we also prepared promotional and registration presentations for our team and the robot, as well as planned the trip itself.

What was the biggest challenge at the start of your activities, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges at the beginning was finding a sponsor – either a company or an individual willing to provide support. Without funding, it would have been impossible to purchase the materials or components needed to build the robot. Another challenge was electrical installation issues – at one point, several crucial components of the robot, including the motion control system for the frame, stopped working, which disrupted our schedule and caused significant delays.

Additional challenges involved logistics, as the competition took place in another city.

Can you tell us about the most interesting projects you’ve completed so far?
Currently, one of the most interesting projects is the robot we built for last year’s XChallenge competition in Rzeszów. It was designed to perform various tasks (traverse rough terrain, transport elements) on a specially prepared arena. During its construction, our team learned a great deal – not only about robotics and electronics but also about work organisation and task delegation. Despite temporary problems, creating this robot and attending the competition was an extremely valuable experience for us.

What projects are you currently working on?
Our current project is a computer-controlled laser cutter. It is still in the assembly phase, but we are pleased with the results so far. As we are a relatively new team, more exciting projects are only a matter of time.

Have these projects attracted wider attention?
It is very possible, as the competition was broadcast on television and online, so many people surely saw our participation. Our greatest achievement so far has been rebuilding the team and attending the competition. Despite all the obstacles we faced at the beginning, we ultimately finished around the middle of the ranking. However, we plan to participate next year and aim for a higher placement.

What does the preparation process for a competition look like – from idea to finished robot?
We start by collectively developing the robot’s concept—its design, propulsion, power supply, and other functions. Next, we create its design on a computer using CAD software. Once that’s complete, we compile a parts list, make purchases, and begin assembly. After the robot is built, we programme it and conduct tests to ensure everything works as planned. As team captain, I mainly organise the work and handle programming, while the rest of the tasks are shared collectively. Building a robot from scratch took us just under six months.

Do you plan to participate in the competition next year as well?
Yes. Having gained experience from this year’s edition, we now know what to do to avoid making the same mistakes. For example, we now understand how to select electronic components that work well together, what to pay attention to when designing a robot, and the strategies other teams use—knowledge that will certainly give us a significant advantage next year.

How does the laser cutter you mentioned work, and what are its applications?
Our laser cutter is a prototype using a laser head that moves along two axes. It is built on a lightweight aluminium frame, and for precision, we use linear shafts and bearings to eliminate any play that might result from rollers. The drive system uses trapezoidal screws, which improve resolution. The laser head we plan to mount has relatively low power, as we are currently focusing on the kinematic system. We aim for maximum precision, and purchasing a high-power laser would be a significant expense. At this stage, it is just a prototype, but we plan to develop it further in the future.

How do you see the future of your team, and what are your plans for the coming years?
First and foremost, we are looking for successors—ambitious robotics enthusiasts who will want to represent our school. Most of us are in the fourth year of technical school, which means we only have one year left. It is therefore crucial for us to teach, share experience, and mentor younger robotics enthusiasts. Otherwise, the team could dissolve, as happened several years ago. While we are still students, we plan to continue participating in competitions. Our main focus will be the next XChallenge.

Do you follow global technology trends? Which do you consider most groundbreaking, and do they inspire your projects?
Absolutely. This is very important to me because it motivates me to continue developing my passion. Being aware of the latest technology trends also helps me determine the direction I want to specialise in in the future. I consider the most groundbreaking trends to be those in medical robotics and bioinformatics, and I may want to work in these fields in the future.

Has your school influenced the development of your passion for robotics and new technologies?
To some extent, yes. Studying on a mechatronics profile has allowed me to gain substantial knowledge in mechanics, electrical engineering, and programming—skills that proved invaluable during robot construction. However, I believe that developing one’s passions requires self-motivation; the school cannot do everything for us.

Do you think schools adequately prepare young people for work in the technology sector? If you could make one change to the technical education system in Poland, what would it be?
I believe technical schools currently prepare students well enough to function in the industry. However, trends in professions change so dynamically that school curricula should be continuously updated. If I could make one change in the technical education system in Poland, it would be to increase practical training. Currently, students have very little hands-on experience. Undertaking internships in real workplaces allows students to see industry as it really is and acquire practical skills essential for the future. The current programme only provides two months of practice over five years of study, which is clearly insufficient.

Have any of your projects found applications in business or been developed in collaboration with companies? How has your experience been in building relationships with businesses?
At this stage, not yet. We are still a young team, but we plan to establish closer ties with companies in the future. So far, our experience has been limited to seeking sponsors. Many companies were initially hesitant due to our short track record. However, after explaining our concept thoroughly, we were able to establish successful collaborations.

Are companies in Lublin open to working with young talent?
In my opinion, it depends on the area of collaboration and varies across sectors. Lublin has many talented young people, which is a potential worth utilising. Finding internship opportunities was not a problem for me, partly because of my involvement in the team. However, securing material or financial support for projects is not always easy and can sometimes be a lengthy process.