Brno was dominated by robots: Visitors were impressed by a humanoid and a robo-hockey from BUT

What happens when a science park is taken over by robots? That’s what technology fans discovered over the weekend at the VIDA Science Center in Brno, where robots and machines from BUT were showcased. Children especially enjoyed interacting with a moving humanoid robot, playing robo-hockey, and programming their own six-legged robot.

Robots filled the VIDA centre. | Author: Václav Koníček

The exciting robotics program captivated not only children but also adult enthusiasts of robots and technology. A major highlight was the humanoid robot InMoov, which blinked at visitors, shook their hands in a friendly manner, and even performed its own original dance. To greet the robot, fans sometimes had to wait in a short line, but that didn’t discourage them from meeting the fascinating machine.

The humanoid is a project by a student from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, whose passion for robotics has lasted for years. “I keep improving my robot, but even now, it can do amazing things. It blinks, smiles, moves its eyes, and even raises its eyebrows,” explained Jan Toman from FEEC.

Would you shake hands with a robot? | Author: Václav Koníček

Robot lovers also had the chance to program one of their own. Experts from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication Technologies prepared a workshop where visitors used software to bring a robot named Tobbie II to life. The six-legged machine was programmed to move in all directions, turn, and make sounds. Thanks to a special infrared sensor, it could even avoid obstacles.

Every tech enthusiast dreams of becoming a robotics master, so it was no surprise that the programming workshop captivated both children and their parents. “The workshop was a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed it, and I think I had as much fun giving commands as my son—maybe even more,” one participant said with a smile during the Saturday program.

Tech fans set their own robot in motion. | Author: Václav Koníček

Visitors also had fun at the robo-hockey station, where they tried to beat an invisible opponent. The automatic Air Hockey game, with adjustable difficulty levels, was the result of a collaborative effort by two students from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. They designed the robotic player, machine vision system, and game strategy, creating an exciting competition that guaranteed an adrenaline rush for players.

Curious young visitors had their questions answered by students from the Mechatronics Laboratory. They explained the main principles of mechatronics using a spider model, a rotational inverted pendulum, and other robotic models.

Visitors were also interested in mechatronics. | Author: Václav Koníček

The robotics program at the Brno technology event was complemented by a Formula simulator developed by the student team TU Brno Racing. Young racers got behind the wheel of a former Formula car and experienced the thrill that real race drivers feel. The team is currently working on their fifth fully electric race car, which will compete in international competitions.