Technology in action. BUT at Maker Faire showcased drones, robotics and 3D printing

Innovation, creativity, and unique ideas. Makers with their projects filled the Brno Exhibition Centre for the fifth time on the weekend of October 19-20. Among them were also DIY enthusiasts from Brno University of Technology (BUT) showcasing their extraordinary technologies.

BUT presented 16 projects at the Maker Faire. | Autor: Jitka Janů

Students, alumni, and employees of Brno University of Technology are closely connected to modern DIY culture. At the festival, they presented sixteen projects related to robotics, aviation, space technology, 3D printing, engineering, information technology, and even the automotive industry.

Festivals like Maker Faire are inspiring not only for visitors but also for the exhibitors themselves. “Events like these are a great opportunity for people to try out modern technology firsthand. It’s also interesting that many of the projects are created by students themselves, so kids can see what they might explore at university,” said the event coordinator from BUT, Lenka Svobodová.

A big draw for fans of modern DIY was the drones and their virtual control, presented by students from the BUT Drone Research Center. The formula simulator from the TU Brno Racing team was particularly popular with younger visitors, who could experience what it feels like to drive a formula car. Among adults, the aircrafts from the Chicken Wings team were the biggest hit.

Children were enthusiastically trying out the formula simulator. | Autor: Jitka Janů

Makers from the strojLAB student community, based at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, showcased projects developed in their open workshop, such as the Argo submarine model. From the same faculty, there were also compressed air-powered cars by the Pneuracer group, student projects from the MechLab mechatronics lab, and the humanoid robot InMoov, who cheerfully smiled, winked, or shook hands with visitors.

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication Technology was represented by the YSpace student team, which focuses on satellite development and space technology. Visitors were also drawn to a 3D-printed prosthetic hand, which allowed them to try out how the prosthesis learns different movements, a modern CNC router, and examples of how 3D printing is used in education at BUT.

Visitors could try out many of the projects for themselves. | Autor: Jitka Janů

Modern DIY enthusiasts came to the Faculty of Information Technology's booth to explore fingerprint scanning and other biometric systems. They also assembled a mechanical button from a 3D printer and discovered the benefits of a robotic manipulator or a modern beehive, which helps maintain optimal conditions for beekeeping through temperature, humidity, and other measurements. Interestingly, it was created by a FIT student for his beekeeper father.

Learn more about these unique projects, not only from BUT, on the festival website.

The Maker Faire festival is held annually in Prague, Brno, and other regional cities. Enthusiasts and experts, known as makers, DIYers, or digital creators, come together to share their inventions and inspire each other. The goal of the festival is to popularize technology and creative making.