ROB 9-16, a robotics and electronics club developed by students from Instituto Superior Técnico, with activities aimed at children and young people between 9 and 16 years old, held two activities during the months of November and December, on the Taguspark campus.

These activities integrated into the ROB DIY project were planned for young people in the 2nd and 3rd cycles and had dozens of participants divided into two sessions: one related to Programming and Robotics and the next to Electronics and Welding.

The first activity took place on November 4th, in which participants had the opportunity to explore the exciting universe of robotics and programming, integrating a practical experience that combines engineering, creativity and logic.
“The activity was about robotics and programming, where participants have the possibility of building a LEGO NXT robot and programming it so that it can travel a circuit autonomously.”, explained Miguel Sol, student of IT and Computer Engineering and monitor on the ROB9-16 team.

In the activity held on December 16th, participants were able to develop knowledge in electronics while assembling a printed circuit board in the shape of a Christmas tree, which provided an educational and fun opportunity to celebrate the present festive season while exploring soldering skills .
The activity began with a presentation where some basic electronics concepts were explained. Participants were curious and eager to learn more about the topic, leaving no questions unanswered.

Most of the students were participating for the first time and were registered by their parents, as is the case of Pedro Silva, a 5th year student, who despite being a beginner in this type of electronics-related activity, was very attentive and curious. “I’m really enjoying the part of soldering the components, it’s a lot of fun”, he confessed.

The ROB9-16 team considers that this type of activity is very important in developing interest in science and technology in young people: “It is a way for them to learn about other areas beyond what they learn at school, and to be able to gain perspectives for the future , understanding whether or not it is an area they like.”, says João Gaspar, Aerospace Engineering student and monitor on the ROB9-16 team.