The SYL project targets Generation Z and aims to raise awareness for choosing an industry-based occupation, highlighting today's modern, digital and "smart" industry The activity was attended by 28 participants, students and teachers from the partner schools Agrupamento de Escolas Oliveira Júnior - AEOJ Portugal , Istituto Omnicomprensivo Rosselli-Rasetti Italy and Colegiul Economic "Gheorghe Chitu "Craiova , Romania.

A week full of great activities, a varied programme that provided a favourable climate for the exchange of experience and transfer of best practices between participants. One of the highlights of the meeting was a research visit to the Incessa Research Centre of the University of Craiova where our students participated in a workshop on collaborative robot programming, robotics and mechatronics. INCESA is currently one of the largest Romanian organizations of applied research. It was designed to support the regional evolution of R&D infrastructure and activities according to the institutional strategy of the University of Craiova that will enhance: 

• integration to the European research networks; 

• compatibility with the EU research infrastructure; 

• multidisciplinary research capacity.

INCESA (Research Hub for Applied Sciences) is intended to be an inspiring co-working space for driving effective innovation for the benefit of ever wider communities. Times have changed, people have changed … we need to harmoniously meet the expectations of cutting-edge researchers, entrepreneurs and strategic business and socio-cultural partners in a most active and interactive way.

INCESA is a hub, framing mindsets, incubating innovative ideas and intensifying and amplifying outcomes for all the intended destinations. Manageably. Outreaching.Feedforwarding. 

The quality and the efficiency of the research activities will be enhanced by implementing and replicating the outcomes of successful research to the industry. INCESA is designed to be a community able to provide a set of productivity tools and connect with global technology professionals.

In the activities, students discovered what IOT devices are, how motors are used for movement, what information is received from sensors and how robots can be programmed. Throughout the activities, students were guided to assemble robots to perform various pre-determined missions. 

Robotics is an ever-evolving field, which means that passionate students always have something new to learn and explore. From programming robots with advanced algorithms to developing mechanical or electronic components, this field offers endless opportunities for personal and professional development. 

 This STEM-type activity, which wanted the multidisciplinary development of students, encouraging them to access technique and technology, from the perspective of building and programming robots that can improve people's lives.

Here's what our students had to say in a TV interview: “Getting the robots up and running was indeed a challenge. Designing and programming robots to perform specific tasks requires a deep understanding of their technology and the environment in which they will operate. It was a unique experience!”

The purpose of the workshop was to increase the community's awareness of the importance and benefits of educational robotics, of interdisciplinary education and the advantages of introducing technique and technology in all fields.

Teamwork taught students to communicate effectively and collaborate with other colleagues. This skill being valuable in the work environment and in everyday life.