Friday, July 11 SKILL in Drachten was all about innovation and cooperation. On a sun-drenched afternoon, students from the Master Honors Program High Tech Systems and Materials (HTSM) of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) their final results of summer school - the final event of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Realistic assignments from business
In teams, students worked on concrete challenges coming from companies within the ICD, or Innovatiecluster Drachten. The assignments were not exercises, but real issues that our companies face on a daily basis. Thanks to a solid preparation - in which students take courses focused on systems design - they were able to act as full discussion partners with the companies. And that was appreciated: the company supervisors involved unanimously praised the students for their eagerness to learn, technical knowledge and creative approach.
Smart solutions for BD, Astron and Philips
- Team BD developed a mobile cobot that brings petri dishes back into the process. The design was developed in SolidWorks and fabricated using 3D printing technology. With a functional prototype already meeting 60% of the requirements, BD received valuable input for further development.
- Team Astron designed an easy-to-build antenna for novice astronomers, complete with leaflet, materials list and a QR code for assembly instructions. An accessible and educational project aimed at inspiring the next generation of astronomers.
- Team Philips worked on functional improvements to a shaver cleaning unit. The new design approach led to significant performance improvements. The chosen direction even carried over into the industrialization phase - a wonderful compliment to the team.
Closing with a look into the future
To conclude, the students were given an exclusive tour of the Philips factory in Drachten - the largest robot factory in the Netherlands - and saw for themselves where innovation comes to life.
With many thanks to Tom Middelburg and Prof. Katja Loos For organizing this ninth edition. We are already looking forward to the anniversary year, which starts in October!
👉 Are you an FSE student and interested in participating in this unique Master honors program HTSM? Then sign up soon for the new cohort via the email address htsm-honours@rug.nl (contact Tom Middelburg).
