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Can a functioning machine with real-life applications be constructed in less than two days? It turns out that with the right conditions and commitment, it is possible — as demonstrated during this year’s edition of the StarHacks hackathon in the United States. Several hundred engineers took part in the event, including two teams from the Warsaw University of Technology.

From Idea to Implementation in a Day and a Half

Nearly 1,000 engineers, 36 hours, and a prize pool of 100,000 dollars. Between April 17 and 19, Purdue University in the USA hosted another edition of the world’s largest hardware hackathon. The participants’ task was to build a fully functioning device from scratch within a day and a half. Among the competitors were some of the best students in the world, including representatives of prestigious universities such as MIT and Stanford University.
Among this elite group was also a double representation from the Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science of the Warsaw University of Technology. The HardCounter and CompMech teams took part in the competition. Both teams undertook the challenge of building integrated hardware and software systems. Their final projects attracted enormous interest from both members of opposing teams and experts representing industry giants.

AI in the Service of Safety

The project that won the hearts of the engineers present at the event was “RackMedic” created by HardCounter. The Polish team constructed a working prototype of an autonomous rover equipped with an arm whose task is to automate maintenance work in server rooms. The machine is capable of detecting a failure and then physically servicing the damaged device.
The environmental data collected in real time is transmitted to an external AI module based on Gemini. Thanks to this, the robot registers the event and initiates the entire procedure. The greatest challenge turned out to be the targeting software controlling the robotic arm; however, the students from Warsaw opted for their own proprietary solution, bypassing the limitations of the Viam platform libraries. The project attracted significant interest from Microsoft engineers, who awarded the construction 1st place, as well as experts from Viam, who granted HardCounter 2nd place.

Economy Over Scale

CompMech focused on vision-based solutions. The “Zero Depth” project involved developing an attachment for gripping systems, solving distance-detection difficulties, among others in the case of reflective materials. The device is based on an inexpensive RGB camera, which significantly reduces production costs.
The economical and flexible presentation of the module, using advanced neural network calculations, was received very warmly within the automotive industry. The young constructors won 2nd place in the automotive innovation category sponsored by Ford.
„This success would not have been possible without the commitment of our Main Partner. Thanks to the support of Transfer Multisort Elektronik, we were able to complete our projects without compromise and build them in the best possible way using high-quality device components,” the students emphasized.

Congratulations on your success, and we keep our fingers crossed for your future achievements!💪👏👏🎉

After a successful start in Japan, the students from the Legendary Rover Team headed to Australia. The Polish engineers returned from the Australian Rover Challenge with valuable experience and a runner-up title.

A Team from Rzeszów Among Global Leaders

During the Australian Rover Challenge, students from Rzeszów University of Technology were the only competitors from Poland. The competition took place from March 26 to 29 at the Roseworthy Campus of the University of Adelaide. The Polish team arrived in the southern part of the country shortly after their visit to Japan, where they finished the Tottori Rover Challenge in 4th place.
The Legendary Rover Team entered the competition with a new rover, built with the support of Transfer Multisort Elektronik. During the event, they took part in four challenges: Post-Landing Mission, Science Mission, Autonomous Mission, and Construction Mission.
The hard work of the Polish team was recognized and left no doubt among the other teams. The team returned home with second place and 348.7 points in the overall classification. Only the UQ Space team from the University of Queensland scored higher, achieving 364.6 points.

From Competition to Space Exploration

The aim of the event is to implement the strategic objectives set out in the Australian Space Agency’s Civil Space Strategy 2019–2028. The competition is intended to enable students to support Australian space research and to open the door to cooperation with the industry.
Although the program may seem primarily aimed at Australian citizens, every participant can gain significant benefits from taking part. In addition to developing their skills, students establish international connections that may prove crucial in their future careers and, consequently, in humanity’s further efforts to explore the surface of the Moon or the Red Planet.

Space exploration continues to capture the imagination of enthusiasts and engineers alike. Recently, student teams had the opportunity to test their designs during the Tottori Rover Challenge in Japan. Among the competing teams was the Legendary Rover Team from Poland, supported by Transfer Multisort Elektronik (TME).

A Team from Rzeszów in the Land of the Rising Sun

The competition took place at the Luna Terrace testing facility at Tottori University from March 19 to 21. The event proved highly demanding—not only in terms of engineering challenges. As the only team in the expert category from outside Japan, the Legendary Rover Team faced a significant language barrier. Strict legal regulations also posed additional challenges, making it harder to resolve technical issues.
However, the students from Rzeszów University of Technology have every reason to be proud. Despite these obstacles, they finished in 4th place and successfully tested their new rover, sponsored by Transfer Multisort Elektronik.
“We are very satisfied with the trip. It provided us with valuable insights into our new rover and gave us the opportunity to experience the unique Japanese work culture,” the team members emphasized.

Predicting the Unpredictable

The theme of this year’s competition was “Predicting the Unpredictable.” The scenario was set in 2040, with unmanned rovers required to autonomously carry out tasks on the lunar surface under conditions of limited communication.
The organizers designed challenges across three categories: Autonomous Navigation, Scientific Exploration, and Construction Mission. Each required different capabilities, testing the rovers’ overall versatility and reliability.
Shortly after the competition in Japan, the Legendary Rover Team headed to Australia, where they competed in the Australian Rover Challenge as the only Polish team.

Students from Wrocław University of Science and Technology have officially concluded the 2025 season. Supported by Transfer Multisort Elektronik, the PWR Racing Team once again competed against the best teams in Europe, demonstrating high skills and commitment.

A New Race Car, New Possibilities

“Lighter, more agile, and more reliable” – this is how the team from Wrocław described their latest Formula Student race car, the RT15e, presented in June last year. The project was developed with the support of TME – an official partner supplying the necessary components for the vehicle.
The official premiere took place on June 5, and just over a week later the team went to Formula Student East, where they achieved a series of victories. The PWR Racing Team took 1st place overall. In addition, they finished first in the following categories: Endurance, Efficiency, Business Plan Presentation, and Cost and Manufacturing, thereby defeating a team currently ranked 2nd in the global Formula Student standings.

Determination as the Key to Success

The next stage was the Formula Student Netherlands competition at the TT Circuit Assen. Despite changing weather conditions, the RT15e proved reliable, and the Polish team finished all events within the top ten.
The Formula Student Austria competition was less successful, with the team placing 24th overall. However, the team showed that Formula Student is not only about engineering skills, but also management and business capabilities, taking 2nd place in the Business Plan Presentation category.
The final competition the PWR Racing Team took part in was Formula Student Czech Republic in August 2025. The team scored over 500 points, finishing in 11th place, ahead of teams ranked 1st and 4th in the global standings.
Although not all competitions were equally successful, the students from Wrocław proved that even the best teams in Europe must take them into account. Their commitment and hard engineering work brought the expected results, and we keep our fingers crossed for their future projects.

Members of the Belgian student team called the Innoptus Solar Team can add another successful year to their more than 20-year history. The young engineers not only competed in prestigious events but also continued to develop innovative solutions.

Inspiring and Encouraging

For over two decades, students at the KU Leuven have been designing solar-powered vehicles, achieving successive milestones on the international stage. Last year, the team unveiled the 11th vehicle in its history — Infinite Apollo. As a team member noted: “The efficiency of our solar panel reaches limits higher than 27%, which is high compared to commercial solar panels that reach only 15% - 22%”. The vehicle is equipped with a 3 kWh battery and a 6 m² solar panel. As the engineers emphasize, the project would not have been possible without access to the extensive product portfolio of Transfer Multisort Elektronik, the team’s long-standing partner.

Before presenting their latest design, the Belgian team welcomed 562 high-school students in February as part of a bootcamp day organized during the Solar Olympiade — three times more participants than in 2024. The students introduced their younger peers to real engineering challenges and gave them the opportunity to design and build their own solar-powered vehicles. “Through this, we hope to spark their interest in STEM and show them that technology is the driving force behind sustainable transformation,” said Britt Dewalleff of the Innoptus Solar Team.

A Fierce Battle for the World Championship

Shortly after the car’s premiere, in August, the team traveled to Australia to compete in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2025. Their goal was to defend the World Champion title they had secured in 2023, and in the previous edition back in 2019.

Just days before technical inspection, the 20-member team unveiled a new addition to Infinite Apollo — “The Bounce.” This adaptive suspension ride-height control system was the first solution of its kind ever implemented in a Belgian solar car participating in the World Championship.

Despite fierce competition, challenging weather conditions and obstacles encountered during the race led the Innoptus Solar Team to finish in third place. Notably, the team started the race from 16th position, further underscoring its place among the world’s elite solar racing teams.

After Australia, the focus now shifts to the United States. The team has announced its participation in the American Solar Challenge, scheduled for July this year. This event will pose a new challenge for the Belgian engineers: the race route is longer, terrain variations are greater, and traffic conditions are more demanding. As a result, the vehicle must be adapted to entirely new operating conditions and regulatory requirements. “We are carefully analyzing historical weathe

Dozens of teams from around the world came to Bucharest to take part in one of the most important educational robotics events. During the 16th edition of the Robochallenge competition, more than 1,000 machines competed against each other.

Robots, Records, and International Competition

Between October 31 and November 2, 2025, Romania became a hub for robotics enthusiasts from all over the world. Robochallenge is one of the largest events of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe. During the latest edition, 230 teams from 30 countries took part in the competition. Participants came from Europe, Asia, Africa, and both Americas. The total number of competitors exceeded 1,200, and as many as 1,171 robots were used across the contests. This is the highest result in Robochallenge history.

The numbers best reflect the scale of the event. Over three days, more than 15,000 spectators attended, following the efforts of young engineers across 20 different competitions — from classic Sumo battles, through Line Follower races, to spectacular Combat Robot matches and humanoid duels.

The greatest interest was drawn by the new categories: Combat Robot 1lb and 3lb. Younger participants were also especially engaged in the Kids and High School categories, aimed at supporting technical education from an early age.

Young Engineers Competing for Medals

The host country delivered the strongest performance, winning 8 gold, 7 silver, and 9 bronze medals. Mexico also reached the podium (4 gold, 5 silver, and 1 bronze), as well as Turkey (2 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze). Brazil finished last in the rankings with only one bronze medal.

As the organizers emphasize, the success of the latest edition was made possible thanks to the support of the Politehnica University of Bucharest and long-term partners, including Transfer Multisort Elektronik, which has supported the competition’s development for 10 years. With the conclusion of the 16th edition, the organizers announced the next event. Robochallenge Romania 2026 will take place on October 30 – November 1.

Motorsport is constantly evolving, especially in the field of electric drivetrains. The LEM Wrocław Motorsport team, ranked among the world’s best, actively contributes to these innovations. The participation of Wrocław students in the latest edition of the MotoStudent International Competition only confirmed their position.

A student-driven revolution in the world of electric vehicles

The LEM Wrocław Motorsport team, operating at Wrocław University of Science and Technology, has been active since 2013 and now brings together more than 60 members. Their portfolio includes as many as 13 projects. Among them are the LEM SSV, an off-road vehicle reaching speeds of 110 km/h; the LEM Thunder V2, an electric motocross bike; and the LEM Tachyon, an electric Moto3-class motorcycle. The last of these machines was built specifically for the MotoStudent 2023 competition in Spain.

The newest project from the Wrocław team is the LEM Hadron, the successor to the Tachyon. The motorcycle debuted on October 2. The project took two years to complete, with the number of hours put in by the students measured in the hundreds. As demonstrated during the 8th edition of MotoStudent, all that hard work paid off. LEM Wrocław Motorsport once again became the best Polish team – and one of the best in the world.

A strong start for the Polish team

This marked the team’s third appearance in the history of the competition. The 5-day event began in mid-October at the La Ciudad del Motor Aragón circuit. Adrian Soja took the rider’s position behind the handlebars.

The team finished 12th overall, breaking every lap-time record previously set by the LEM Tachyon. Their best result came in the Gymkhana competition, where they secured 3rd place. During the event, LEM Wrocław Motorsport again proved to be the only Polish team to qualify for the final race – a part of the competition that includes less than 20% of all participants.

Despite the pride and satisfaction, the team is far from resting on its laurels. Shortly after returning to Poland, they announced the start of a new electric racing motorcycle project, set to compete in MotoStudent 2027. As they say themselves, it will be a machine that “will allow Polish motorsport to shine even brighter on the international stage.”

We keep our fingers crossed!

The OFF-ROAD Scientific Association of Unconventional Vehicles is celebrating another triumph. Students from Wrocław University of Science and Technology took part in the Anatolian Rover Challenge 2025 in Turkey. Despite minor setbacks, the Polish team placed 2nd, standing out significantly among more than a dozen other teams.

Competition and Hunger for Experience

The event took place from July 23–27. A 10-person team from the OFF-ROAD Association participated. The Scorpio Project team included both experienced members and newcomers just entering the world of building Mars rover analogues.

The Scorpio Infinity rover, which had already demonstrated its capabilities during the Australian Rover Challenge in March, once again lived up to expectations. In Turkey, 18 teams from 6 countries, including England, India, Turkey, and Bangladesh, competed. After a fierce rivalry, the Polish team finished this year’s Anatolian Rover Challenge in 2nd place. The road to victory—like the Martian wastelands—was bumpy.

The (Almost) Unstoppable Rover

The students took part in 4 main missions: Science Mission, Night Task, Autonomous Mission, and Collaborative Task. These competitions tested a wide range of functionalities: from pulling carts and transporting loads, to collecting samples, drilling, implementing cooling systems, and ensuring radio communication.

The Scorpio project once again proved to be a construction not easily intimidated. The Wrocław rover was the only vehicle with no malfunctions, operating in all competitions. The team’s efficiency even allowed them to complete collaborative tasks—meant for several rovers—single-handedly, and in less time than the organizers had anticipated. They were the only team able to both drive and operate the manipulator in every collaborative mission task. Thanks to the cooling system, the equipment functioned for over 4 hours in the challenging Turkish conditions, with all modules running smoothly.

Despite the impressive results, there were still a few obstacles. During terrain exploration in one mission, spectroscopy failed to provide reliable readings, while microscope samples and Raman spectra were of limited quality. However, their consistent approach to research was appreciated, and their presentation went according to plan. During the Night Task, the team ran out of time due to minor issues handling probes, and during the Autonomous Mission, there was a small GPS coordinate error.

We warmly congratulate the young constructors! Once again, you have shown the high level of Polish engineering. We believe that the minor setbacks you encountered will be valuable lessons for the future and will help you return from the next competition with a gold medal. Good luck!

Students from the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow are once again sharing their knowledge with the world. Members of the AGH Eko-Energia Student Research Club have published an article in an elite scientific journal.

The article, entitled "Development of low-cost, light weight c-Si photovoltaic modules with potential for applications in VIPV", was published on the website of the journal "Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells" by the Dutch publisher Elsevier. The magazine dates back to 1968.

In order for a text to be published, it must undergo a thorough analysis by the academic community and receive a positive review. The fact that the article was published is not only a huge honour for the authors, but also for the entire club and the university.

We are extremely proud that such talented people are recognised not only locally but also internationally. We are delighted that Transfer Multisort Elektronik recognised this potential by collaborating with the club on projects such as "Perła" [The Pearl].

This is an extremely promising research project for a super-efficient, four-seater electric car. The vehicle uses, among other things, double-sided photovoltaic panels laminated in fibreglass. Ultimately, the entire structure is to be based on composite materials. This is an innovative approach to the future of transport. And just a fraction of the students' hard work.

The article proves that the technology for creating photovoltaic modules invented by the club members works, thus meeting the needs of VIPV (vehicle integrated photovoltaics). The solution developed by SKN Eko-Energia will be used to recharge the car in real time, ensuring greater efficiency for "Perła".

The publication of the article in such a prestigious title shows that hard work is the key to success. The young team's constant pursuit of improvement inspires others to work and encourages the search for innovative solutions. We congratulate the authors and look forward to further groundbreaking studies.

The key to development is ambition. The members of KTH Formula Student are a living example of how to successfully implement modern solutions in practice, while at the same time gaining joy from experimenting and acquiring experience that will pay off in the future.

Not just an adventure

KTH Formula Student is a non-profit project founded at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. The mission of the team, which already consists of over 90 members, is to perfect collaboration skills and build high-quality race cars for prestigious international Formula Student competitions. As they emphasize, their goal is “to prepare the next generations of engineers for the challenges of the real world.”

Working on building an electric race car is an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge and experience—so highly valued in the job market, which particularly prizes skilled specialists. It is also a gateway to the world of the most prestigious racing events. Many current Formula 1 engineers took part in Formula Student tournaments.

Automotive is just the beginning

For over 20 years, KTH Formula Student cars have been conquering race tracks. Their latest design, Brinell (DeV19), was unveiled in 2025. Using both electric and combustion propulsion, it can participate in all competitions, even the most demanding ones such as FS Germany or FS Austria.

At the last competition in Austria, for the first time in nine years, they successfully completed all technical trials. Meanwhile, during the German event, they achieved their best result in the history of the competition. Moreover, out of 84 teams, they were among the 30 that completed all dynamic events. Such innovative projects require top-class tools, which were provided thanks to the support of Transfer Multisort Elektronik.

“Thanks to their support, we were able to equip our workshop with a wide range of high-quality hand tools, precision instruments, power tool accessories, and electronic components, which are crucial to maintaining efficiency and accuracy at every stage of our projects. This enables us to pursue innovative solutions that contribute to the development of sustainable mobility in the future,” the students say.

The hard work of the Swedish students is an extraordinary demonstration of perseverance and determination. We keep our fingers crossed for their continued success and eagerly await news of their next ambitious project.

The PRz RACING Student Research Club at Rzeszów University of Technology has built another electric racing car. Shortly after the official unveiling, we learned what it's capable of.

New Ground, Old Surface

PRz RACING has been operating dynamically for 12 years. From the very beginning, the young engineers' goal was to participate in the prestigious Formula Student competition, the largest student engineering tournament in the world.

Their first racing car, the PMT-01, debuted in the 2015 season. It was equipped with a Honda CBR 600 RR combustion engine. It wasn't until 2024 that the Rzeszów students opted for electric power. The 109 hp PMT-06e racing car proved to be a hit! It finished 5th overall in the Formula Student Easter and 12th in the FS Alpe Adria and FS Czech Republic. It was also hailed as the best design among Polish electric teams! But the time had come for the PMT-07e. During the official unveiling of the car, which took place on July 3rd, a special video was shown, a veritable journey through time. The video showcased the team's previous designs. It also referenced the most famous spy in history – Agent 007, lending the whole thing a symbolic dimension.

As many as 120 people worked on the vehicle. Motivated by last year's successes, the members of PRz RACING reduced the car's weight by approximately 30 kg, improved the steering wheel ergonomics, and utilized an innovative composite battery housing, among other things. This resulted in acceleration to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds, almost a second faster than its predecessor.

First Test Passed

Right after the unveiling, the team competed in the FS Netherlands competition. PRz RACING finished 28th overall. However, a major success was 5th place in the Business Plan Presentation category, demonstrating the team members' thorough preparation.

Have the lessons learned from the first competition been learned? We'll find out in early August during the Czech Republic FS. Next, the PMT-07e will head to Croatia for the Alpe Adria FS, and on August 26th, it will begin competing at the Polish FS.

In an age of constant technological progress, it is sometimes worth stopping for a moment and looking back. Such is the aim of the Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia restoration project carried out by the PUT Renovation Scientific Circle operating at Poznan University of Technology. This is not only a return to the roots of motoring, but also an attempt to combine the classic with the modern.

Passion fueled by ambition

The PUT Renovation Scientific Circle was established in late 2023, bringing together a group of Poznań University of Technology students fascinated by vintage automobiles. Their goal is the comprehensive restoration of a 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia Type 14. The project includes not only the restoration of the car, but also research activities using innovative technologies, including the analysis of alternative drive systems.

An icon of German motoring

Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is one of the most recognizable classics of German motoring. Built on the chassis of the legendary Garbus, it was distinguished by its stylish body designed by Italy's Carrozzeria Ghia and Karmann's robust engineering. The result of this German-Italian collaboration delighted for almost two decades - production continued uninterrupted from 1955 to 1974.

Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is one of the most recognizable classics of German motoring. Built on the chassis of the legendary Garbus, it was distinguished by the stylish body designed by the Italian company Carrozzeria Ghia and the solid engineering of Karmann. The result of this German-Italian collaboration delighted for almost two decades - production continued uninterrupted from 1955 to 1974.

A year of intensive activities

The past year has been exceptionally intense for PUT Renovation. The students modernized the workshop, especially the mechanical section, and began extensive work on the vehicle's suspension. The engine and drivetrain are currently being renovated. In the meantime, the team received specialized training in electrical design and installation, which allowed them to begin rebuilding the vehicle's electrical harness. Wires supplied by TME were used to complete it.

Although there is still some work to be done before the Karmann-Ghia returns to the roads, the pace is not slowing down. On May 22, the students unveiled the so-called “running floor” - a complete chassis with an engine derived from a HGV. “This is an important moment for us, as it was the first public presentation of this stage of the project,” - emphasizes the team.

Pride on four wheels

In the past year, members of the circle not only worked in the workshop, but also actively promoted the project at automotive events. Their Karmann-Ghia wowed participants at the Retro Motor Show, the Historic Vehicle Congress or the Novol Classics Rally, attracting the attention of hundreds of classic car fans.

PUT Renovation proves that classic cars still have a lot of appeal - especially when young, committed enthusiasts and a modern approach to engineering are behind them.

The Students' Space Association of the Warsaw University of Technology is constantly looking to the sky. The young scientists presented a rocket that will soon compete with similar designs from around the world.

Breakthrough project for Warsaw students

After many months (the work began January 2023), SSA members were finally able to show off the largest rocket in the history of the association - Twardowsky 2. The official presentation took place in the Main Building of the Warsaw University of Technology on May 28. As the team points out, the construction is groundbreaking in many ways.

During the construction, which involved about 40 people, numerous innovative solutions were used. The students used 3D printing in aluminum and titanium, implemented active pressurization and swirl injectors, and took care of a valve that allows the engine to shut down earlier. „These are new additions to our association and a huge milestone on the road to constantly improving the quality and reliability of our designs” - the designers emphasize.

The 4.3-meter-long, 200-mm-caliber rocket will be powered by an Aurora hybrid engine. Its maximum thrust will be 5.8 kN, while its total thrust will be 40 kNs. Its power allows carrying a CubeSat 1U cargo (a 10x10x10 cm cube) up to 9 km in the air. In doing so, it will reach a speed of 489 m/s, exceeding the speed of sound by nearly 150 m/s. The rocket is distinguished by its modular design, which makes it easily configurable and the modules interchangeable.

First test coming soon

The work is still in progress, but it is coming to an end. The final tests remain, including a second static test of the engine. If all goes well, designers from abroad will hear about Twardowsky 2.

In October, members of the SSA are planning to visit Portugal during the European Rocketry Challenge 2025, the first rocket competition in which the association will participate.

Electric vehicles are no longer as unusual as they were just a few years ago. Still, internal combustion engines dominate many areas of motorization. The ADek Students Association shows that the dominance may diminish in the future.

Unique projects of ADek SA

The ADek Students Association was established at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of Warsaw University of Technology. So far, the students have 6 projects to their credit focusing on motorization. These are electric go-karts PL1 and PL2, autonomous vehicle ADAŚ detecting traffic participants and road signs, electric motorcycle PL3 on the frame of a KTM 450 SX-F motorcycle, e-maks power electric vehicle, created for 10-year-old Maks, who suffers muscular dystrophy (the project can be seen in the Netflix-produced series „Mothers of the Penguins”!), and electric vehicle eBuggy.

The last one is the biggest project in the history of the association and the first design to be so interdisciplinary. This allows the entire team to work for the success of the project. Work is still in progress, and the design is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2025.

Autonomous eBuggy is taking shape

Over the past few months, the students have spent time, among other things, building the vehicle's cage, completing the design of the inverter mount, and developing the car's control system. The vehicle control unit (VCU) used in the design manages the entire drivetrain, so it must have high reliability.

Engineers are also working on making the reducer mount. The main challenge of this stage is to maintain compact dimensions with adequate mechanical strength.

Development is the key to success

Such an advanced project requires continuous development of knowledge, but also a fresh look. On May 23, representatives of the association took part in the open day of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the Warsaw University of Technology. The event, targeted at high school students, was an excellent opportunity to encourage young talents to pursue further ambitious projects together.

At the same time, the rest of ADek SA participated in the „AI: Architects of Innovation” Conference at the Faculty of Mathematics and Information Sciences. During the event, issues related to AI and quantum computers, for instance, were discussed. In addition, participants were able to see the fruits of the association's work, admiring the PL3 electric motorcycle and PL2 go-kart in their full glory.

The anniversary edition of the Robotic Tournament in Rybnik is over. The global reach of the event is just one of the many things that make the initiative unique.

Hundreds of robots compete for victory

On April 12, Rybnik became the capital of world robotics. The International Robotic Tournament is one of the largest events of its kind across Europe, and the 15th edition has raised its prestige once again with record numbers.

Teams from all over the world showed up at the Zespół Szkół Technicznych, the host of the event. Competitors from the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Mexico, Turkey and Italy, among others, presented their constructions. The event attracted a total of 438 participants, and they brought 503 robots! Poland was represented by school and university students from more than 60 institutions in 47 cities.

Young constructors were able to participate in over a dozen competitions like Sumo, LineFollower and RoboDragRace. There were also categories for robots built with LEGO.

The goal of the project is to popularize science, so the organizers also prepared a competition for 4-8 grade students, the Photon Challenge. The purpose of the task was to program the robot to transport loads to the appropriate trash bins, and as a result, promote a conscious approach to waste segregation.

Passion knows no age

The first edition of the contest, called then „Follow the Line”, was held in 2009. Since the very beginning, the event has been organized by the Zespół Szkół Technicznych in Rybnik. This definitely sets it apart from other robot competitions, usually launched by universities.

For the youngest participants, numerous attractions were provided, allowing children to discover the spirit of a constructor within themselves. Exactly like 6-year-old Wojtek, the youngest participant and winner of the special prize. The boy's success is the best example of how initiatives like the Robotic Tournament can inspire young people to expand their knowledge and constantly develop through entertainment.

As humankind aims to take its first steps on Mars, rovers are already exploring the mysteries of the 4th planet from the sun. The Australian Rover Challenge shows what talents are hidden in universities - including Poland.

Decades of preparation for a historic breakthrough

It's been almost 30 years since the Sojourner rover landed on the Red Planet. Although the robot was supposed to operate for only 7 sols (Martian days, or just over an Earth week), the mission lasted for 83 sols, during which it traveled about 100 meters.

More rovers exploring atmospheric conditions and soil content have made their way to the Red Planet, including Opportunity, Curiosity, and China's Zhurong, which landed in 2021. However, it will take several more years before the first human steps foot on the neighboring planet.

Australian competition with Polish accent

One of the initiatives supporting NASA's „Moon to Mars” program is the Australian Rover Challenge competition of the University of Adelaide. Their purpose, among others, is to promote talented students and inspire young people to explore space.

Between March 27 and 30, the next edition of the competition was held. The competitors had to perform tasks simulating lunar missions, including sample identification and regolith transport. Among the participants were students from the AGH

University in Cracow, who stood at the top of the podium, and members of the OFF-ROAD Science Club of Unconventional Vehicles from the Wrocław University of Technology. The Wrocław students finished the competition in 5th place.

Continued development of Wrocław students

An 8-member team from Wrocław University of Technology set off for Australia with the Scorpio Infinity Mars rover. This is the 8th generation of the club's signature design, which was developed by more than 70 engineers. Despite its many successes, the robot is constantly being upgraded.

„We have new systems, so we were anxious to test existing solutions in conditions we are in only once a year. We plan to upgrade our existing approaches, including communication, autonomy, and inverse kinematics. Many teams and referees have said that we are the first team to use such technologies”. Students believe that the necessary innovations will be implemented before the next competition, the Anatolian Rover Challenge.

The sea transportation still has a negative impact on the environment, but not as much as land and air transportation. Students from the AGH Solar Boat Team are successfully pointing out this problem internationally.

Global transport vs. the planet

One of the trends in 2024 was to reduce the carbon footprint, but transportation still has a significant role in polluting the planet. Land and air transport play the largest share of the pollution.

Thus, sea transportation seems to be more ecological and efficient, given the ability to carry more cargo. Nevertheless, it is not harmless to the environment. It pollutes air and water, leaving behind chemicals and fumes on the water's surface.

Students with a mission

The origins of the AGH Solar Boat Team project date back to the fall of 2015. The fruit of the cooperation between the student club “Eco-Energia” and the Academic Sailing Club was the construction of a boat powered only by solar energy. “This is an engineering challenge for us, but also a manifesto for the long-term sustainability of sea transportation.” - they say.

The first boat, Baśka, debuted in 2017 at the Yacht Club de Monaco and won 5th place overall in Class A. Over the years, the AGH Solar Boat Team repeatedly stood on the podium and built Celka and 2 autonomous boats: R.O.B.U.R. and Barka.

The R.O.B.U.R. project was born in 2021 and was a response to the deteriorating state of the environment. The boat was designed to explore tanks and compete in the prestigious RoboBoat competition in the US.

2 years later, Barka was created, which won the award for best autonomous boat design shortly after launching, promising further successes for the students.

In March this year, the team again participated in the RoboBoat competition. After a week of competition against 27 teams from around the world, the AGH Solar Boat Team finished in 3rd place.

Congratulations and good luck in their future endeavors!

The beginning of the year is a very intense time for off-road model racing enthusiasts. Indoor venues across Europe host events that warm up both spectators and competitors during these cold months. The young Polish racer, Bartek Zalewski, had a fantastic start to the season.

At the end of January, Bartek participated in the largest Central European competition, the European Offroad Series in Daun, Germany. The event was marked by a very high level of competition and incredible twists and turns. In the 2WD Modified Buggy category, Bartek did not qualify for the final, but another Pole, Michał Orłowski, took second place. In 4WD, Michał Orłowski finished second, just ahead of Bartek Zalewski. Notably, Bartek's younger brother, Jan, also participated and won the Stock Truck category.

In Hrotovice, Czech Republic, top European competitors gathered for the Mibo International races. Bartek won the 2WD class and finished third in 4WD. Jan qualified for the main final in 4WD, which is a remarkable achievement.

Bartek then flew to the prestigious Milton Keynes Grand Prix without his brother, who at the same time won two classes at the Hudy Series in Łódź. In Milton Keynes, the competition was very strong. Bartek's third place in 2WD and victory in 4WD (ahead of world and European champions) undoubtedly solidify his position among the top European racers.

The beginning of 2025 showcases the great potential of the Zalewski brothers in the field of off-road model racing. We will undoubtedly have many more opportunities to admire their successes.

The Portuguese Formula Student FEUP team has been successful all summer at successive international competitions. The Formula Student Germany competition proved to be a challenge, which – though not perfect- they managed to pass.

FS Germany – a dream come true

The German event with a 20-year tradition is considered one of the most prestigious motorsport events for young engineers. Each year, about 450 volunteers work to organize Formula Student Germany. The last edition was held between August 18 and 24. As many as 84 teams from 23 countries took part. Among the participants were also, supported by Transfer Multisort Elektronik, students from the Formula Student FEUP circle from Porto.

"We arrived full of confidence and motivation," - they recalled. "However, we encountered problems on the very first day. A battery failure initially prevented us from proceeding. After two days of intensive work, we managed to fix the malfunction and pass the remaining four technical checks, including a driverless inspection."

Meanwhile, the team continued to compete in the static competition, where it achieved great success. For the first time ever, the team qualified for the finals, winning 3rd place in the Cost and Production category. However, this is not the end of the breakthrough moments! On the same day, the Portuguese car, without a driver, struggled in three events - DV acceleration, DV autocross and track driving.

In the other competitions, the team also did quite well. They took 8th place for engineering design in the Driverless Cup category, 9th in the Business Plan Presentation and 25th for engineering design in the Electric Vehicle category. In the end, the team finished 36th overall in Electric Vehicles and 21st in Driverless Cup.

A successful season for the Portuguese

FS Germany is the third, and final, event of the season. In July, FS FEUP headed to the Netherlands, where they won 16th place. They then took part in FS Portugal, where, despite problems, they finished on the podium in as many as three categories. The Portuguese competition encouraged the constructors to put more emphasis on autonomous issues, which brought the expected results. Congratulations!

Before the Porto students take to the track once again, it's time for further design improvements. The FS FEUP 02 racecar proved itself, but it can still be improved. We keep our fingers crossed for further work that will result in the team's next breakthroughs.

The Academic Aviation Conference "Students (Not) Only About Aviation" was an exciting event for all aviation enthusiasts. It brought together students, doctoral candidates, scientists, industry professionals, and popularizers involved in aviation and astronautics. The OFF-ROAD Unconventional Vehicles Scientific Circle at the Wrocław University of Technology got to show off what they've been working on and talk about their latest design. The students also dug into plans for exploring Mars.

As early as 1964, the American Mariner 4 sent the first images of the Martian surface back to Earth. By the end of the 1970s, many high-resolution photographs had been obtained, only fueling our curiosity.

Humanity returned to the orbit of our cosmic neighbor in the 1990s with the Mars Pathfinder mission and its Sojourner rover, as well as the Mars Global Surveyor. Currently, Mars research is very intensive. Not only the Americans but also the Chinese, Europeans, and even the United Arab Emirates are sending their unmanned missions. The first crewed expeditions are planned for the 2030s.

Mars is a fascinating planet. It has a thin atmosphere that does not protect against space conditions. The lack of a magnetic field allows large amounts of cosmic radiation to reach its surface. However, the presence of large amounts of water inspires us to search for traces of biological material. Huge dormant volcanoes and equally large canyons and craters testify to the planet's turbulent past.

Exploring Mars allows us to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in many fields. Even seemingly distant topics such as Earth's climate change are better understood thanks to the study of the Red Planet. Will our grandchildren be able to colonize it? If so, thanks to enthusiasts like the students of the OFF-ROAD circle, we already know what we'll be driving there.

The 15th edition of Robochallenge in Bucharest, Romania, is arguably the largest event of its kind in Europe. 175 teams from 25 countries, 1150 participants, 18 competitions, 964 robots, coverage on the biggest national TV stations, and over 20,000 thrill-seeking visitors – these are the numbers that define the success of this event. What makes robots so fascinating to us?

At first glance, Robochallenge is like many other events. The main attraction is the robot competition. Sumo-style ring battles seem to be the main entertainment for creators of autonomous machines. And it's not just about driving – one such competition is designed for humanoid robots. The robots also compete in other challenges: races, following a line on the track, death combat (the goal is to damage the opponent), finding their way through a maze, overcoming obstacles, slow-motion shows, or even playing football.

If you get tired of watching sports competitions, you can take a closer look at the achievements of other young engineers. A rocket that can climb to a height of several kilometers in just a few seconds and safely return has generated a lot of interest.

The organizers also paid a lot of attention to the youngest visitors. They could not only watch but also build, learn about many technologies firsthand, and have a great time. It's incredibly engaging.

A world filled with robots performing various tasks is already a reality. We increasingly use artificial intelligence, and we are surrounded by autonomous machines capable of independent learning. This raises both fears and hopes. Our technological development is fueled by insatiable curiosity. It is this curiosity that motivates us to push the boundaries of technology. And it is probably this curiosity that prompted visitors to RoboChallenge to see for themselves what people are capable of inventing.

Since the first rockets were constructed in the 1940s, humanity has been continuously refining this technology. Higher, farther, more economically, precisely, predictably, and safely. Every year, we send tons of equipment into space – advanced technology that allows us to transmit data, navigate, and explore both space and our planet. Yet, rockets remain the foundation – they enable us to venture where our atmosphere and gravity cannot reach.

How many people does it take to build a rocket? According to Homer Hickam Jr.'s memoir (and the film October Sky), four clever boys are enough. However, these are not the times of the first Soviet space attempts. The PUT Rocketlab student club consists of about 70 people who, among other things, are building their own rocket called Hexa. Hexa, in Silesian dialect, means a witch, so it's no wonder it flies on a broomstick – their custom-made engine code-named Broomstick.

The Poznań witch has achieved significant successes, including a victorious flight in the 30k SRAD Hybrid/Liquid category (a flight to 30,000 feet) during the 2023 Spaceport America Cup in New Mexico. Following this launch, NASA began cooperating with our students. Like true witches, they sit in the seclusion of their laboratories and plot.

A modern rocket is not just a properly balanced tube filled with fuel. It is a very precisely designed flying device, packed with electronics, and transmitting telemetry data. Hexa's task is to ascend to a predetermined altitude and descend on parachutes without damage. It sounds simple enough, but it requires exceptional multidisciplinary skills.

Why do this? After all, engineers around the world already have vast knowledge about rockets. There are probably as many answers to this question as there are students in PUT Rocketlab. However, it's easy to imagine the satisfaction and joy of participating in such a... cosmic project.

Scientific clubs are more than just prestige and fun. Ambitious plans don't materialize on their own. You need to acquire funds, manage them, and account for them, take care of promotion and media relations, organize trips to competitions, and of course, engage in "production," which is what the club was created for. Let's briefly follow a year of work at the AGH Student Research Association Eko-Energia from the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow.

One of the constructions realized by students from the Eko-Energia is Perła - a high-performance electric car. It is a very innovative and promising research project. No wonder that last year it received two rector's grants and a prestigious grant from the program run by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education called the Initiative of Excellence – Research University.

The group working on Perła visited the Photovoltaic Laboratory of the Polish Academy of Sciences, where young constructors tested composite samples for future lamination of photovoltaic panels. Few people have previously studied the possibility of protecting cells in this way. AGH students believe that this is a promising method for mounting such panels on vehicles.

In wind energy, on the other hand, a rather difficult issue is adapting the power plant to wind blowing at different speeds. The students from Eko-Energia took on this challenge in two ways. Firstly, they created Windy – a widely awarded wind turbine diffuser. For the untrained eye, it's a cone-shaped pipe, but the appropriately designed shape significantly improves the turbine's efficiency.

The second construction is Halyna – a unique wind turbine with three generators with different torques and a decoupling system that minimizes idle losses.

Eko-Energia does a great job of promoting and sharing knowledge. Members of this group participate in numerous lectures, fairs, and conferences. It's amazing that among so many activities, students still find the time and energy to organize educational workshops and promote the use of renewable energy sources.

Young people united in scientific clubs receive a good school of life. After such activities, they are well prepared to enter adulthood.

After numerous successes in recent years, students from Łódź University of Technology once again proved to be at the forefront of building prototype vehicles powered by solar energy. This year, the Lodz Solar Team from the University of Technology in Łódź won the European Vice Championship and the Polish Championship. This success was achieved by the young people at the famous Circuit Zolder in Belgium during the iLumen European Solar Challenge.

This competition is a special event held every two years. Spectators can watch the 24-hour competition teams live. It's worth mentioning that during this time – a full 24 hours – competing teams can only stop twice to recharge. Lodz Solar Team, with their modified Eagle Two car, competed in the demanding Challenger class. Their car was therefore evaluated in terms of energy efficiency, aerodynamics, and technological innovation.

The Łódź students achieved their success thanks to the recent innovations introduced to Eagle Two. They opted for a new driving system with a central, high-efficiency engine. This required redesigning the rear suspension. Together with a new, improved battery, they managed to increase the vehicle's energy efficiency to about 85%. The performance – a top speed of 140 km/h and a range of up to 2400 km – shows that this is not a toy.

It is worth mentioning on this occasion how complex the project of building a fully functional electric vehicle is. The Lodz Solar Team consists of several dozen people working in electronics, external cooperation, marketing, mechanics, design, and development. Students not only hone their technical skills but also their soft skills, which is undoubtedly an added value of such projects.

Participating in the European Rover Challenge is a significant achievement in itself. Teams taking part in this event consist of students from various fields, primarily engineering. And no wonder – building a Martian rover that meets NASA and ESA requirements is no small feat. In Krakow, at the 10th anniversary of the ERC, Poland was represented, among others, by the OFF-ROAD Unconventional Vehicles Scientific Circle (Wrocław University of Science and Technology) with its latest creation: Scorpio Infinity.

Having presented their design at competitions in Australia, the United States, and Turkey, the Wroclaw students brought it to Krakow for next event. The competition, as always, was fierce, and the tests were extremely demanding. It started with performing specific tasks at a dedicated panel. Let's be honest – inserting an RJ-45 plug into the correct socket using a manipulator is quite a challenge. The Navigation competition involved reaching four checkpoints in a terrain simulating the surface of the Red Planet, followed by skillfully piloting a drone and performing a simulated emergency landing. The drone was created in cooperation with the Academic Aviation Club.

Other practical competitions were reproducing typical scientific activities – among others – geological research with drilling, locating, collecting and weighing samples. Finally, a face-to-face meeting with the judges – a technical and business

presentation and a discussion about the project. The Wrocław team finished the competition in fifth place, which is undoubtedly a success, especially considering the several-year break.

The 10th edition of the ERC was also full of other events. There were lectures, presentations, and workshops. There was also a place for invited exhibitors. Such an event attracts personalities from all over the world, including NASA and ESA employees.

The 2024 Ham Radio Technical Gathering took place in Burzenin, as it does every year. This is a great opportunity to talk more about this hobby. What exactly does a ham radio operator do?

Even the list of organizers seems... odd. For example, the sales and payment system are handled by Cezary SP7UKL – that mysterious number instead of a surname is a unique personal identifier on a global scale. So, ham radio operators communicate with colleagues from all over the world, and even further, as there's usually someone on the International Space Station to talk to via radio transmission.

Let's return for a moment to Burzenin itself. Workshops, information exchange, equipment demonstrations, lectures, discussions, and integration, even launching a stratospheric balloon - all this was a very important event for enthusiasts of this field. The event brought together old hands and young (and even the youngest) adepts of the art of radio communication. One might think: what could be so fascinating about talking through walkie-talkies? And yet...

Ham radio is a very broad field of activity. You can start with simply listening to ongoing transmissions. But this is usually just a prelude to a whole range of possibilities. Maybe you'd like to engineer your own radio? Perhaps participate in a competition, establish radio contact with someone on the other side of the world using the reflection of radio waves from the ionosphere, the aurora borealis, or even the moon. You can always experiment with equipment, wave propagation, transmission (from telegraphy to video transmission), and in crisis situations, use your equipment for the good of the community by supporting rescue and humanitarian efforts.

In the age of the Internet, mobile phones, computers, and other modern solutions, ham radio operators are doing great. If you want to join their ranks, it's worth contacting the nearest amateur radio club.

Have you ever dreamed of taking part in perilous off-road races in a buggy? Zooming around a track at top speed, overtaking competitors, and launching off jumps to fly several car lengths? Many a child hidden in us dreams about it. Bartek Zalewski achieves this dream, although from a safe distance, by racing 1:8 scale models.

The second round of the Polish Off-Road Championship took place in Stara Kamienica. On a tight and short astro turf track, Bartek raced both nitro and electric models. Mechanical failures and collisions with competitors deprived our hero of victory, but he finished second in the nitro class and third in the eco class, setting a new track record.

The third round of the Polish Championship, this time in Poznań. The weather disrupted the event. Training and two qualifying rounds could only be started on Saturday at 4 pm. The next day, the timing system failed. Ultimately, the event was concluded using the qualifying results. Bartek Zalewski finished first in the eco class and second in the nitro class.

On the way to the European Championship, the Zalewski’s family team stopped at Horní Jelení for a Czech Championship round. After a fierce and exciting battle, Bartek took second place with his nitro buggy.

The ultimate goal was the Italian city of Sacile, where the European Championship was held. 160 competitors, a beautiful venue, and a fantastic atmosphere. The entire team's commitment, with adjustments made after each race to go even faster and gain a few more milliseconds. Bartek finished the competition in 19th place, which is undoubtedly a success.

After a great and eventful season, Bartek Zalewski's team is not letting up. Preparations for the European Championship in Sweden are already underway.

Last school year, a robotics competition was held at one of the Catalan high schools. It is fantastic to see how great fun can stimulate learning and development in young minds. Teachers know this and put their hearts and souls into such events.

For the eighth consecutive year, the Narcís Xifra Institute in Girona, a secondary school offering both academic and vocational tracks, organized the automation competition for its students. The event was geared towards students in technical automation classes, and most of them enthusiastically participated. This was evident in the words of 17-year-old participant Javier Rodriguez Gomez:

The competition was very well organized, the machine was simple enough to be completed in one morning, and I felt very comfortable. (...) Overall, I can say that everyone was very happy and would definitely be willing to participate again.

Although it is fun combined with learning, competitions have their requirements. And while it wasn't an easy task, the teaching staff had to determine a winner – this year, however, they decided to award three main prizes (toolkits). The top performers will have the opportunity to compete at higher levels, starting with CatSkills and then SpainSkills.

As Benet Martín, school’s director and originator of the competition, explains:

The added value of the competition is the emphasis on the highest quality of assembly. This year, the competition was won by the student who finished the task last. This means that the jury always values quality over speed.

The students received detailed feedback on their strengths and areas for improvement, and an additional benefit was spending a whole day at an automation company and working with an operator. Transfer Multisort Elektronik was happy to get involved in this initiative by donating prizes.

The Robochallenge competition took place in Romania for the fourteenth time. On November 3-5, 2023, Bucharest became the venue of competition for enthusiasts of broadly defined robotics, who came from 19 countries from all around the world. The teams took part in exciting competitions. There were prizes for the best contestants, as well as plenty of fun during the competition. Not only the participants, but also the audience showed great interest in the event, which - especially after the pandemic break - is a huge success of this year's edition of Robochallenge.

Celebrating technology

For the second time in history, the Robochallenge competition in Romania was held as part of the RoboFest, a festival dedicated to modern technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence and industry 4.0. Nevertheless, the most important theme of this event is robotics, therefore the Robochallenge contest is addressed to enthusiasts of this discipline – mainly to robot constructors and operators.

This year, almost 1,000 competitors and more than 600 robots participated in the contest. 224 teams from countries such as Argentina, Japan, Peru, Thailand and Turkey, as well as from European countries - including Poland – took part in 15 competitions.

The most exciting competitions are the Sumo contests, where remotely controlled robots try to push their opponents out of the ring. Participants also took part in other competitions like the Line Follower, Football and Freestyle Showcase.

Huge success of participants, audience and organizers

A large number of contestants from all around the world and huge interest in the competition shown by the audience have to be considered a great success of the Robochallenge and RoboFest events. It is thanks to the joint work of organizers with the Bucharest University of Technology, sponsors and partners - including TME. The increasing popularity of this kind of events makes technology more accessible and helps promoting an education in the field of robotics and electronics, as well as supporting the personal growth of young people, who can develop their interests and careers.

On September 5 to 9 a special celebration of young specialists took place in Gdańsk. The European Championships of Young Professionals were organized for the eighth time in history, and for the first time this event was held in Poland. We can be proud not only of Gdańsk, which certainly impressed the participants of the event, but also of our competitors, who achieved great success in the competition, winning numerous medals and distinctions. What a party it was!

Young masters in their specializations

EuroSkills is the largest education and professional skills competition in Europe. Every two years, young professionals from many countries compete to become best of the best. The competition includes various categories such as: construction technology, art and fashion, information and communication technology, manufacturing technology and engineering, transport and logistics, and social services.

Competitors present their technical skills by completing tasks which involve making various projects testing selected competencies. They must strictly follow the rules of competition and keep an eye on the time frame. There were many exciting moments and lots of emotions this year. The participants had to cope with time pressure and strong competition.

EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023

This year's edition of Euroskills gathered as many as 576 competitors who represented 32 countries and took part in over 40 competitions divided into different categories. The event started on September 5, when the Opening Ceremony took place in Gdańsk. For three consecutive days, the participants competed with each other, giving their best performances during extremely demanding competitions related to various professional skills. On September 9, a grand Closing Ceremony took place, during which the winners were announced and medals were awarded.

Polish team at EuroSkills 2023

Polish representatives coped with the tasks perfectly, receiving many awards and distinctions. Our team won a total of thirteen medals, including three gold, one silver and three bronze, as well as six medals of excellence. The time-consuming preparations and hard work paid off, and the talent and commitment of our players were appreciated. But it's not just winning that counts. During EuroSkills, the competitors gained invaluable experience. This unique event is also an opportunity to integrate, make new friends, expand knowledge and explore passions.

More than a competition

Although the crucial point of WorldSkills and EuroSkills championships is the competition aimed at selecting the best young professionals, these events are always accompanied by interesting meetings and presentations. This year was no different in Gdańsk. Thanks to the presence of numerous experts, leaders and representatives of industry and education, EuroSkills 2023 became a unique platform for exchanging knowledge and a form of promotion of new technologies and trends regarding broadly understood skill improvement. The event was attended by, among others: Adek Scientific Club operating at the Warsaw University of Technology, which presented TME's community initiatives: the TME Education with an educational kit TME-EDU-ARD-2 and the TechMasterEvent competition platform.

The next competition will take place in two years. EuroSkills 2025 will be held in Herning, Denmark. Now it's time for preparation and hard work!

Bartek Zalewski was only 5 years old, when his adventure with remote control cars has just begun. Today this sixteen year old boy is the Xray Racing Team driver and despite of his young age, he has already partcipated in many races and championships. His father, Rafał Zalewski, supports him in the competition. Together they make a great team giving their best performances during the races.

Love at first… race

Bartek's fascination with remote control cars has begun the moment he watched his first race. Then there were first independent rides, his own remote control car and finally proffessional classes and competitions for juniors. Over these years, Bartek gained valuable experience and made many contacts in the RC society. But above all, he put a lot of time and work into perfecting his driving technique. Not only Bartek, but also Rafał Zalewski, who became his son’s mechanic, had to learn the secrets of car servicing. That way father and son created an extraordinary duo that achieves great results in national and international competitions, for example in the European and world championships. Bartek races with buggy type cars, both in the summer season, participating on outdoor tracks, and in the winter season, taking part in the indoor competitions.

Sport for everyone

Have you also been fascinated by remote control models since you were a child? Or maybe your child is interested in such toys? If the answer is „yes”, it is worth trying to participate in remote control car races. According to Bartek Zalewski and his father, it is a sport for everyone, regardless of age. Competition can provide strong emotions and even an adresnaline rush, although you need to demonstrate good reflexes, concentration and coordination. Remotely controlled cars are also a great idea for spending time with family; working together to achieve a success can be a great form of bonding. Don’t give up on your childhood dreams - make them come true!

On May 14, 2023, the finals of the first Polish edition of F1 in Schools were held in Łódź. The FOTON Racing team from Grójec, having defeated 15 other teams, became the winner of the competition and qualified to the world finals, which took place in Singapore. The participation of our representatives in the international F1 in Schools competition is a great lesson of courage and determination.

The beginning of a great adventure

When students of the mathematics and physics class from the Secondary School in Grójec saw the poster advertising the first Polish edition of the F1 in Schools competition, they had no idea that in a few months they would watch the F1 race in Singapore and meet the biggest stars of this races, all while taking part in an extraordinary competition themselves. The beginning of the six boys' adventure in the world of F1 was accidental, but everything that happened later was the result of their hard work, many months of efforts, and, above all, unwavering will and faith in their own abilities. As Marcin Malczewski, the team's Finance Manager, says: "From the very beginning, I believed in the team's success at the Polish finals and I had high hopes for the trip to Singapore." Piotr Kiliańczyk, Manufacturing Leader at FOTON Racing, adds: "We felt very confident at the Polish finals and I think that thanks to this confidence we managed to charm the judges and win the entire competition."

How to earn the team's success?

Although the main goal of the teams participating in the F1 in Schools competition is to construct and present a miniature racing car, really there are more tasks that often go beyond purely technical issues. The boys agree that the competition is a unique opportunity to acquire new skills. In particular, engineering skills such as using CAD/CAM/CFD software or 3D design are essential, but participants also have to face challenges in the field of financial management, marketing and communication.

How to cope with so many tasks at the same time? The assignment of roles in the team seems to be crucial. Mikołaj Cieślak, Project Manager of the winning crew, has a valuable advice for other teams. According to him, the key to success is "building a compact, complementary team. In addition, the most important thing is ambition, work and constant pushing forward.” How much work the journey to Singapore had costed the boys can be illustrated by the words of Bartosz Pietrzak, Design Engineer at FOTON Racing, who said that "Preparations for the world finals basically took us the entire summer and 2 months of school." However, the boys agree that it was an extremely valuable time that taught them a lot. Thanks to the joint effort and help of sponsors, we managed to achieve something that seemed impossible just a few months earlier - the team finally landed in Singapore.

Everyone has their own… Singapore

FOTON Racing crew members unanimously admit that the F1 in Schools world finals exceeded their wildest expectations. Students had the opportunity to learn about the local culture and nature, although - as Marcin Malczewski recalls - getting used to the climate change took some time. The icing on the proverbial cake during this trip was the Singapore Grand Prix. "This event and the entire "surroundings" around it are indescribable, you simply have to be there," recalls Marcin, and Wojciech Drabikowski, Graphic Designer, adds: "When I saw not only the race live, but also entered the pit lane and the Red Bull Racing team garage, I stood like a pillar overwhelmed by positive emotions." The organization of the F1 in Schools competition also made an equally great impression on our representatives. The boys emphasize the professionalism and scale of the event, and Piotr Kiliańczyk recalls: "When I entered the hall, only then did I understand what a great event I was taking part in. The number of teams, the professionalism of the hosts and judges, it was amazing for me!”

Victory for Grójec, success for Poland

The F1 in Schools finals in Singapore are not only a lot of attractions, but above all the culmination of many months of work by the Polish team, which ultimately took a very good 30th place. Placing in the middle of the pack is a huge success for the boys, and it must be remembered that they were the first team from Poland to take part in the competition, even though the contest itself has been running around the world for over 20 years.

The adventure with F1 in Schools is summarized by Jakub Winiarski, Social Media and Marketing Manager of the team: "With our success, we want to encourage young people to take the initiative to participate in international competitions, because it allows them to broaden their horizons and enable them to learn many useful skills." Let these words of a teenager from a small town in Masovia be an inspiration for the next generations of young adepts in the world of science, technology and engineering who will have the courage to pursue their dreams.

The participation of polish team in the world finals is also of great value from the point of view of participants in subsequent editions of the F1 in Schools competition. As Bartosz Pietrzak emphasizes, the boys gained many valuable contacts that will certainly help their successors. "I think that with our performance we have paved the way for other teams and I hope that in a few years Poland will be on the podium." – says Bartosz, and we have no choice but to congratulate the FOTON Racing team and keep our fingers crossed for the participants of the next Polish edition of the competition.

In the first Polish edition of the prestigious F1 in Schools competition, the winning crew turned out to be the FOTON Racing team from the Secondary School of Piotr Skarga in Grójec, whose supervisor was Mr. Radosław Pietrzak, the father of one of the boys.

The Polish edition of F1 in Schools from the inside

Each team taking part in the competition had to not only construct a car, but also find sponsors. The winning team from Grójec also had to additionally raise funds to organize a trip to Singapore, where the international F1 in Schools finals were held. It was not an easy task, because according to the team supervisor, while during the national finals the amount of approx. 10-12 thousand PLN was enough for technical expenses, a stand and advertising gadgets, for the world finals it was necessary to collect over PLN 200,000. zloty. The trip to Singapore was unsure. “The time to raise funds was very short, the boys sent hundreds of emails and held dozens of meetings, but there was very little response.” – Radosław Pietrzak remembers. - "The support from the main sponsors arrived about two weeks before departure to Singapore, leaving little time for preparations." There was no shortage of emotions until the very end, and the boys had so much work to do.

Singapore - the adventure of a lifetime

When everything was finalized, the team, under the supervision of Mr. Pietrzak, set off for Asia. What they experienced there exceeded their wildest expectations. The event was organized at the highest level, and its prestigious character was emphasized by the presence of guests from the world of Formula 1. Ultimately, the Polish team took 30th place out of 68 teams from all over the world. Taking into account the lack of experience and the debut of the Polish team in this type of competition, this is a very good position. "I think that to this day the boys still don't fully realize what a success they have accomplished." – sums up the proud team supervisor.

First finals of the F1 in Schools held in Poland

Formula 1 is not only the most popular and prestigious car racing competition, but it is also a whole philosophy and a wide range of initiatives promoting sports, technology and education. One of the most exciting projects from the F1 family is the F1 in Schools competition, which for the first time took place in Poland in 2023. Polish finals turned out to be a great success, although the organisation of such an event was quite a challenge.

What is the F1 in Schools competition?

F1 in Schools is a competition organized under the strict patronage of Formula 1 and its main goal is to promote the STEM idea and to popularize the principal values of the F1 philosophy among children and young people. This unique initiative promotes knowledge in the fields of engineering, mathematics, technology and physics, but competition participants must also show their skills in broadly understood management, design and marketing. The students' task is to construct and present a miniature car that will take part in the race during the finals. The competing teams must acquire sponsors to raise the needed funds and work on an appropriate media and financial strategy. The competition also requires specific organizational preparation and professional equipment, including high-quality design tools, software, a specially constructed race track, as well as the place for the presentation of stands to demonstrate the projects.

Polish F1 in Schools finals

The 2022/2023 season of the F1 in Schools project was unique because this competition was organized in Poland for the first time. The finals took place on May 14 at the University of Technology in Łódź, at the "Zatoka Sportu" Academic Sports and Educational Center. The event was organized by the Wysokie Obroty Foundation with the help of volunteers and sponsors. 16 teams from all over the Poland participated in the finals, which lasted several hours during which the main race and additional competitions were held. The winner was the FOTON Racing team from Grójec, which was given the opportunity to participate in the F1 in Schools World Finals in Singapore. The organizers were also successful as proven by the huge interest and large presence during the finals not only of the participants, but also of the media and the public. Such a successful start of this particular F1 project in Poland will certainly benefit the next edition, for which preparations are already underway.