“This is a different way of spending Easter holidays and we learn something new in each edition”, says Miguel Geada, 11 year-old student, who participated in ROB9-16 – “Maker Week” – addressed to those who are familiar with robotics. The ROB9-16 Easter Holidays took place from 15th to 18th April, at Taguspark campus.

“My father works in this area and I really like his job. I love programming, creating and playing with things”, says Miguel Geada, who wants to be a mechanical engineer. “Last year we had time to learn, this week we have been practicing”, he adds.

André Enes, another ROB9-16 participant, wants to be an engineer. “I like programming, building new things and making robots”, he shares. “I am glad I spent these days here, doing these activities. I learnt new things, I had a good time, I practiced some things that I already knew and that made me improve my programming skills”, he stresses.

“The challenge is that no one is left behind in any moment and that, although each one’s preferences, they enjoy all the activities”, says Joel Damásio, member of ROB9-16 organising team. “The greatest difficulty we have is maintaining order and drawing students attention, but we try to help them as much as possible”, he adds.

During two weeks, about 22 participants had the opportunity to program robots and computers, assemble and weld an electric circuit and print 3D parts.

“If I have had the opportunity of attending these activities before starting university, things might have been a lot more easy. It is very important that students become familiar with this area at an early stage”, says Joel Damásio. “Most of them enjoy being here. But even if they don’t, they have the chance to learn that this is not what they want to study in the future”, he adds.