Symposium Hepaestus - What did you miss?

One of the most prominent traditions of Inter-Actief is the Symposium. Every year, Inter-Actief organizes a Symposium; a day centered around a chosen domain from the vast world of Computer Science. The goal of the Symposium is to give students a more in-depth look into a specific part of the world of Computer Science, as well as get them into contact with companies that specialize in the domain, which can give them insight into the different career paths that are at work in the sector.

During the day, several speakers talk about topics relevant to the chosen theme, and students have the opportunity to engage with multiple companies that work in the field between the lectures. Those companies are present to have one-on-one conversations with students, to explain what work they do in the sector, and often about the career opportunities they can offer those interested.

This year, the symposium, named Hephaestus after the ancient Greek god of blacksmiths, fire, metallurgy, and metalworking, covered the theme of Robotics & IT. Hephaestus, renowned for his craftsmanship and innovation, is a fitting namesake for a symposium dedicated to exploring the intricate relationship between IT, machines, and robotics. The symposium was held on the 27th of February, 2024, at Schouwburg Hengelo, and it aimed to inform attendees about the latest advancements in these fields and their applications in various industries.
Hephaestus had his own palace on Olympus, containing his workshop with an anvil and twenty bellows that worked at his bidding. He built so-called “automatons” of metal to work for him or others, including tripods with golden wheels and golden maidens to serve him. This mythological background provided an inspiring framework for our discussions on how modern technology is creating autonomous machines to assist humans in various tasks.

The symposium featured a series of talks from distinguished speakers who shared their insights and expertise on topics related to Robotics and IT. Jens Kober, an associate professor at the Cognitive Robotics department of TU Delft, Netherlands, was one of the keynote speakers. Kober’s research is at the intersection of machine learning, control, and robotics, with a focus on learning motor skills for robot arms. He and his group have developed learning techniques that enable robots to have complex interactions with their environment and humans. A recent focus has been on rendering the learning process efficient and effective by leveraging interactions with human teachers. His research spans fundamental research to applications in agriculture, manufacturing, care, and retail.

Another notable speaker was dr. ing. Matthias Grote, Technology Manager at Rosenxt. Mr. Grote has been with the ROSEN Group for over a decade, developing new technologies for future market needs. For more than five years, he has been intensively involved in applications and developments for autonomous robotics and is responsible for the associated technology field at Rosenxt. Matthias shared insights into the development of solutions for new markets and the future of autonomous robotics.

Mihnea Răzvan Petrea, the Technical Manager and part of the Mechanical Engineer sub-team of the 8th generation of RoboTeam Twente, also presented at the symposium. RoboTeam Twente builds autonomous robots that play soccer at the international competition RoboCup. The main goal of the competition is to have, by 2050, a fully autonomous team of robots that can defeat the human world champions. Răzvan, a Mechanical Engineering Bachelor student at the University of Twente, shared his experiences and challenges in preparing the team for RoboCup 2024.

Nathalie Geerlings, Lead Robotics Engineer at Riwo Engineering B.V. in Oldenzaal, discussed her work in setting up a robotics team at Riwo. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Advanced Technology at the University of Twente and a master’s in Biorobotics at TU Delft, she focused on building generic software modules for various robotic projects. These projects range from apple-picking robots in orchards to waste-sorting systems for recycling firms, demonstrating the diverse applications of robotics in dynamic and noisy environments.

The symposium also featured insights from Voortman Steel Group, with presentations by Arie Riezebos and Paul Hentschke. Riezebos, the Software Tech Lead from the Robotics team, talked about software development within their robotics team, including the challenges and future prospects. Hentschke, the Director of Engineering, provided an overview of the organization’s current status and future direction, emphasizing the influence of software development on their operations.

Edwin Dertien, a robotics enthusiast with a background in academic research and hands-on DIY art projects, concluded the series of talks. Dertien’s journey in robotics includes internships at the Shadow Robot Company, involvement in energy-efficient actuation in walking robots, and participation in RoboCup. His PhD focused on pipe inspection robots, integrating rapid manufacturing techniques like 3D printing. Edwin’s current research interests lie in social robotics and wearables, and he also co-founded the ASSortiMENS foundation, which supports individuals with autism through FabLab workshops.

Symposium Hephaestus brought together experts and professionals from the fields of robotics and IT to discuss the role of technology in advancing these areas. It provided a unique opportunity for students and professionals to learn about the latest developments, network with industry experts, and gain valuable insights into the future of robotics and technology. As the annual symposium of Inter-Actief concluded, it left attendees with a renewed perspective on the impact of IT on robotics and our society, inspiring them to explore new possibilities in these dynamic fields.

Symposium

We are currently looking for committee members for the 2025 symposium. If you’re interested in joining a larger committee at Inter-Actief and organizing one of our most engaging study and career-oriented events, we invite you to email us at board@inter-actief.net.

Even if the committee is already complete, you can still express your interest. There may be opportunities to assist in the preparation as a committee member, or you could become an activist on the day of the event.