´Robotics Day´, a day to celebrate the present, past and future of robotics

Daria Efimova

Although robotics may seem like a distant and futuristic field to some, for many students it is a reality. Every day they go to the classrooms in search of knowledge; and also in taking it beyond theory. This desire to learn and put what they have learned to the test is what ´Robotics Day´ is focused on, an event that brings students closer to the emerging sector of robotics. The conference was held last Friday, October 1, at the Fuenlabrada campus of the Rey Juan Carlos University. 

A place for robotics enthusiasts

"I have given them the idea of ​​creating a robotics party, organized by and for the students," says Francisco Martín Rico, coordinator of the Degree in Software Robotics Engineering at URJC. Although the idea for the event was born in the summer, most of the preparations have been carried out during the month of September. ´Robotics Day´ also had the support of the Higher Technical School of Telecommunications Engineering (ETSIT) of the URJC. Until now, the University did not offer any similar event, which is why it has aroused a lot of interest among students. In its entirety, 'Robotics Day' has been attended by about 40 people. 

Throughout Friday, five activities have taken place, focused on both theoretical and practical aspects. The day began with a robot competition, in which two robots developed by the participants were presented. Once finished, the students had the opportunity to attend two workshops: one on welding, and the other on design and 3D printing. "This first one had a great attendance," says Juan Carlos Manzanares Serrano, a fourth-year student in Software Robotics Engineering and one of the main organizers of the event. “19 people have come, and we are in contact with Gorka Guardiola Múzquiz, the teacher who had given the workshop, to repeat it, since there were many more people who wanted to sign up.”

In the afternoon shift, a live podcast on transhumanism was held, with the participation of Vanessa Triviño Alonso, URJC professor specializing in Philosophy of Science. Finally, the event ended with a round table "Current panorama of robotics", moderated by the students themselves. 

Although it was the first edition of 'Robotics Day', the intention is to make it an annual event. "There are two activities that we had planned and we could not carry out," explains Juan Carlos Manzanares Serrano. "So we would like to be able to do a second part, a 'Robotics Day' 1.5". Organized this year by about six students, all agree that they want to return with this event in 2022.