Research and Innovation

We live surrounded by various objects that we can't imagine our daily lives without: in the morning, the coffee machine brews our coffee, we simply put the dirty cup in the dishwasher, the soiled towel goes into the washing machine, and the crumbs from the floor are collected by a robot vacuum cleaner. These and thousands of other objects that ease our daily routines were created using the knowledge of mechatronics and robotics. We discuss the technologies developed in these fields, their importance, and prospects with Dr. Vytautas Bucinskas, a professor at the Faculty of Mechanics at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH). For homes and medical sector "Mechatronics is a synthetic field of science and technology that combines mechanics and electronic control areas. Our environment is full of devices such as washing machines, dishwashers, printers. Robotics is a more specialised field of mechatronics, where a certain device's function is related to motion, such as a vacuum cleaner, window-cleaning robot, or automatic lawnmower. Almost every device is mechatronic, and there’s plenty of them in industry sector, medicine, and our homes," explains Dr. V. Bucinskas, head of the Department of mechatronics, robotics, and digital manufacturing. The scientific world is also full of mechatronic systems - from electronic scales to atomic force microscopes (AFM). Of course, this world is unimaginable without robotic systems from micro-manipulators, technological robots to exoskeletons. According to the scientist, the fact that people don't even think about inventions in their environment shows that the devices are convenient, work well, and don't require much attention. "Even the analyser used for blood tests is mechatronic, not to mention an automatic coffee machine. In summary, it can be said that mechatronics has become so common that we don't even notice it, using it both at work and at home," says Prof. V. Bucinskas. Technology shapes the future "Robotics is radically changing people's work and daily life. Household appliances that relieve us of routine work, production tools that don't require physical or tedious and harmful work are already a part of today. In the future, we will move from individual actions, such as lawn mowing or dust cleaning, to complex solutions - home or yard management," says Prof. V. Bucinskas. For example, an automatic lawnmower will not only mow the lawn but also compost it, clean itself, go to the cheapest electricity charging station, return to its storage location, and inform the owner about it. All that remains is to mow the lawn as needed and maintain other ecological, technical restrictions. Other household cleaning procedures would also change - thanks to mechatronic and robotic inventions, laundry would be taken from the laundry box, sorted according to washability, the best mode would be set for them, then the clothes would be taken out of the machine and properly arranged in an automated wardrobe. However, for now, inventing such new technologies is too complicated due to the unstable geometry of object transfer and manipulation - this is a significant area of robotics. As explained by Prof. V. Bucinskas, when laundry is taken out of the washing machine, its orientation is random, and when it is taken from a different place, its shape changes completely, so such problems currently hinder the robotisation of many processes. "So far, many people still work at the conveyor belt in car assembly plants because the assembly of flexible components is not automated. Moreover, often climate and natural conditions create insurmountable obstacles for sensor complexes." Not only making the work easier but also taking it away? However, as technologies ease the daily lives of people and various production processes, an important discussion arises in society: will robots take away our jobs? "Yes, some professions will disappear or the demand for certain specialists will greatly decrease. But do we see protests about the difficult situation of steam-engine drivers? Do we notice sad washerwomen with washboards? And draftsmen - where are they?" asks the speaker. According to the scientist, society needs to be prepared for changes that are beneficial, although people may not like them. Moreover, with the advancement of technology, the list of professions is changing - smart technologies increase the number of high-skilled workers and reduce the number of low-skilled workers. What we create at VILNIUS TECH? In the modern laboratories and workshops of VILNIUS TECH, young developers not only learn theory but also practically contribute to the invention of new technologies. "In the Department of Mechatronics, robotics, and digital manufacturing, we carry out many projects. The "PCKasa" project, which created and implemented an excavator assistant, has recently ended as part of the "Eureka" program. We also participate along with more than 30 partners in the "AI4CSM" project under the "Horizon2020" program, aimed at integrating artificial intelligence systems in manufacturing. A "Erasmus+" KA2 project was dedicated to studies in this field - "MechaUZ", in which we, together with partners, developed and successfully handed over a study program "Mechatronics and robotics" to five universities in Uzbekistan. Every year, we conduct student internships in summer and during the semester, we have a large number of PHD students, and we offer one postdoctoral internship, where force sensors made of biopolymers that degrade over time are created," invites the head of the department, Prof. V. Bucinskas. The article was prepared by Milda Mockunaite-Vitkiene, Internal Communication Projects Manager at VILNIUS TECH Directorate of public communication. Photos by Aleksas Jaunius.

The ATHENA European University Network, of which Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) is a member, is hosting a virtual event highlighting mobility prospects for bachelor's, master's, and doctoral students. This presents an opportunity for students to acquaint themselves with the ATHENA possibilities, including exchange programs, internships, and international initiatives provided by the ATHENA network. This remote event will be conducted in English on March 14th, Thursday, from 14:00 to 16:00 Lithuanian time. The program will delve into the international opportunities offered by ten ATHENA universities across Europe. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to interact with students who have previously studied or are currently pursuing their education at foreign partner universities, providing an opportunity to pose questions and gain insights. Registration for the event is mandatory. More information about the mobility fair and registration form is here. Programme: 14:00 – 14:10 Presentation of ATHENA 14:10 – 15:00 Presentation of partners and testimony from local students 15:00  –16:00 Presentation of opportunities (Blended Intensive Programmes, Summer Schools, etc). ATHENA European University offers various ongoing opportunities for every member of the community – from students to staff! If you want to know more about these opportunities, check ATHENA website or follow us on social media.

For two weeks, the VILNIUS TECH Sustainability School brought together numerous students from universities in  Lithuania and across Europe to try and solve challenges related to ecology and sustainability. The finale of the Sustainability School showcased innovative ideas aimed at addressing pressing ecological issues affecting both businesses and society.   According to organisers of the Sustainability School, students from both host university and abroad, collaborating within mixed teams, developed unique solutions which are relevant both for prospective businesses and society.   "Sustainability is a topic that is frequently and broadly discussed, but until now, there has been a lack of broader cooperation among different institutions and societies. The VILNIUS TECH Sustainability School represents the ATHENA Alliance's contribution to Europe's green transformation, bringing together all stakeholders: young, energetic professionals with original ideas, as well as businesses and public organisations facing sustainability challenges on a daily basis. VILNIUS TECH serves as a catalyst, driving solutions towards those who seek them" says the head of the VILNIUS TECH Sustainability Hub, Assoc. Dr. Raimondas Grubliauskas.   The initiators of the Sustainability School, the VILNIUS TECH Sustainability Center, aim to initiate and develop a sustainability theme cluster in the ATHENA European University Alliance, of which VILNIUS TECH is a member. ATHENA alliance partners - universities in nine EU countries - aim to develop digitally transformative, technology-based, internationally competitive higher education that reflects the needs of society. Sustainability - an integral part of higher education VILNIUS TECH also prepared a separate challenge for the students of the Sustainability School. Following this, the students sought solutions to strengthen the university's role in achieving positive behavioural changes in society.   "The team that worked on our challenge identified clear problems: a lack of broad and comprehensive sustainability education initiatives, a perceived gap between knowledge about sustainability and action to implement its initiatives. The influence of education on sustainability should be the main direction in achieving a more sustainable society", says the activity coordinator of the Sustainability School Assoc. Dr. Rūta Mikučionienė.   The solution proposed by VILNIUS TECH is: to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation and create a culture of cooperation between European universities based on sustainability. It is also indicated that such alliances as ATHENA and other European University Initiatives become guides for sustainable cooperation.   Students' ideas for Vilnius sustainability goals   Five businesses and organisations set challenges for numerous students from VILNIUS TECH and ATHENA universities representing Spain, Portugal, Germany, Slovenia, and several other European countries to delve into. Ranging from innovative concepts such as edible coffee cups to ambitious large-scale urban transformations, students from the Sustainability School showcased their innovative ideas to the panel of judges.   By using urban environmental metrics Sustainability School students evaluated the added value of electric transport. In order to fully contribute to reducing environmental pollution and improving the general condition of life, it is necessary to expand the network of charging stations and supply electricity using cleaner energy. According to the team that conducted this challenge, the development of this electric transport would be encouraged by higher subsidies for residents and changing their perception.   Another ambition of Vilnius is to become a carbon-neutral city by 2030, and the students of Sustainability School propose to achieve this goal by developing three directions: transport, education and energy.   It is proposed to initiate a transformation in the transportation sector by strengthening public transport alternatives, enhancing pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and expanding bicycle-sharing networks. Educational initiatives would touch upon topics such as increasing awareness of climate change and involving both the public and businesses in climate change-related activities. Meanwhile, for the energy sector, it is recommended to reform the energy sector by implementing energy efficiency criteria in all buildings and promoting the adoption of exclusively energy-efficient devices and technologies.   Green spaces and the infrastructure surrounding them are relevant topics for residents of both Vilnius and other big cities. The student team that solved this challenge presented a complex solution to the city representatives, which included the development of green infrastructure and wider involvement of residents in the decision-making on topics that are important to them. It was advised to pay a lot of attention to the streets as well, assessing their condition and taking certain decisions, such as reducing parking spaces or narrowing the streets. Sustainable ideas for the coffee cup and the cups themselves   The manager of one of the largest takeaway coffee chains in Lithuania presented the participants of the Sustainability School with the challenge of creating a sustainable packaging use system that would meet the needs of modern customers and the latest sustainability requirements.   The international team of students who studied the challenge proposed three possible solutions - each of them was evaluated taking into account hygiene and environmental requirements and the goals of sustainable development.   First, it is proposed to create an edible coffee cup. It would be made from just seven products, the main ones being oat bran and wheat flour. In addition, the cups are suitable for a vegan diet, and this solution is already used by world-famous coffee brands such as Lavazza and others. The second alternative is a foldable coffee cup, whose impact on the environment during the entire period of use is much lower than that of a regular disposable one. Finally, a deposit-based system is proposed for disposable coffee cups, as is done with beverage containers. A customer who purchased takeaway coffee would pay a certain deposit fee, which they would get back by bringing an empty coffee cup to the cafe.   The proposition is for the coffee grounds to be used in the creation of beauty products - the oils contained in the grounds would be used to make them. It would also be possible to create coffee grounds candles or cups for drinking coffee. Fats can also be used in the food industry, in the production of natural fertilisers or cooking oil.   The establishment of the Integrated Sustainability Technologies Laboratory at VILNIUS TECH is funded by the Economic Revival and Resilience Plan "New Generation Lithuania" and the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania.