This happened during the first edition of the High Tech Career Competition, an internship event organized by Innovatiecluster Drachten. Professor Mike Gennert, director of the robot program at WPI attended live via video link. ’’I would be thrilled to work with all of them.''
In ten minutes, Erwin Lutke and Codru? Marin (both NHL/Stenden) and Rinalds Kugis and Guus Keuning (both Hanzehogeschool Groningen) get the chance to pitch for an internship at one of the Robotics Engineering program's programs. Program the ATLAS ‘humanoid robot’ to perform a task, such as manipulating an object, opening a door, climbing stairs or bending down to touch the floor. Or, program the same robot to use both hands together and at the same time. Usually, a robot uses only one hand at a time because coordination is so difficult. The student must also make sure that the robot does not injure itself. The third task is: make a robot climb trees, by programming additional software in combination with sensors and cameras. And finally, create or write a computer language that captures some of the common patterns of robot programs so that the software better reflects the programmer's intent.
Drive and motivation
Go figure! In their best English and supported by a presentation at two, the students explain why they are best suited for this internship assignment. The beautiful videos notwithstanding, afterwards the professor asks about their drive to come work for him and his program. ’’Erwin is a very intense young man,’’ Gennert concludes afterwards. ’’With his passion and drive, he will go far. His ambition is great, but he still lacks some tools in his toolkit.'' Rinalds, who is from Latvia and studies in Groningen, impresses Gennert with his experience: ''He is polite and shy, but has something extra because of all the projects he has already done. But the best thing I find, he tells from his heart. That's the best motivation for me.''
Own story
Despite all the preparation and, of course, nerves, the result comes as a surprise. Rinalds is pleased. ,,It's a wonderful opportunity. You never know what to expect at a pitch like this, but I have experience that matches the four programs.’’ It is his first internship in America and will celebrate it briefly tonight. ’’Tomorrow I have to focus on finishing my semester first, otherwise I won't be able to go to America after all.’’ Erwin is also surprised. He, nota bene, initially doubted whether he would participate. ’’I was persuaded and just told my own story. Maybe a bit muddled, to my mind, I'm quite a perfectionist. It's not my first internship abroad, but at such a wonderful institution.'' What he will do tonight? ,,First eat and drink something and then work on my thesis. But tomorrow I'll tell it at school!''
Scholarship
The students each receive 10 thousand euros scholarship, for travel and accommodation in America. Thanks in part to money from FB Oranjewoud Foundation, Innovatiecluster Drachten is able to spend these internship scholarships. Losers? There really aren't any. The quality of all four students is so high that Joost Krebbekx, program manager of Innovatiecluster Drachten, is inviting the other two students to definitely participate again next time on May 24, 2019, during the second edition of the High Tech Career Competition in the Dutch Technology Week from May 20 to 25, 2019.
Jury
This edition's jury consists of Frank Gort (program manager Smart Sustainable Industries NHL/Stenden), Joost Krebbekx( program manager ICD), Henk Westera (director VDH Products), Theun Prins (director YP Your Partner), Johannes Bruinsma (Manager System Design BD) and Professor Mike Gennert, director of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Robotics Engineering program.