Artificial intelligence and robotics? Sounds ambitious! "Mechanic TEAM" in the "Teenage Scientist" competition
In the world of modern technology, it's not just knowledge that counts, but also the courage to pursue bold ideas. This courage was demonstrated by three students from our "Mechanik TEAM" School Robotics Club, who – under the supervision of dr Stanisław Topolewicz – decided to take on an ambitious challenge as part of the nationwide "Teenage Scientist" competition.
Their research project couldn't be more about what fascinates us most: robotics and... artificial intelligence. Thus, the idea was born: "Using Artificial Intelligence in Robot Navigation" – combining advanced technology with the real challenges of the future.
After the initial evaluation of the application, the young designers gained expert recognition – the project received funding under the VIA CARPATIA program, which paved the way for its implementation. Thanks to the funds obtained, our team was able to equip itself with the necessary tools: a 3D printer, filaments, microcontrollers, motors, omniwheels, batteries, LIDAR, and many other components needed to build a fully autonomous mobile robot.
The result? Although unassuming in appearance—some compare it to a toy R2D2 without its armor—our latest robot is the most advanced design we've ever created. Thanks to a desktop computer connection system, the robot processes sensor data, builds a map of its surroundings, and autonomously plans a route to a given destination, even in previously unfamiliar environments. LIDAR plays a key role here, providing accurate data about the surroundings, as do artificial intelligence algorithms that support analysis and real-time decision-making.
Although we didn't reach the podium this time, we gained invaluable experience, learning about design work, an engineering approach to problems, and the practical application of AI in robotics. These skills will be the foundation for our future projects and competitions – because we have no shortage of ambition, and each project is a step towards the future.