Robotics Valley
Basic information
Project Title
Robotics Valley
Full project title
Robotics Valley
Category
Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Project Description
Robotics Valley is an innovative endeavour, where Jiu Valley’s high school students, aided by the robots they create, emerge as the Rising Stars leading the region’s Just Transition pathway. By aligning local resources to the EGD and fostering a participatory approach (by and for high school students), it embraces a multidisciplinary perspective focused on robotics, enabling students to craft local solutions for global challenges and to catalyze the Valley’s NEB-inspired change.
Geographical Scope
Regional
Project Region
Jiu Valley , Romania
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
Robotics Valley is a creative, interdisciplinary community service dedicated to high school students in Jiu Valley, a Romanian region that undergoes a Just Transition process due to the local coal mines’ closure. This initiative connects and supports local students as they explore the world of robotics, leveraging this knowledge to tackle the region’s socio-economic challenges. Our aim is to foster a beautiful, inclusive and sustainable future, through the growth of youth, improvements in the educational system and the development of green, gender-balanced economic opportunities. Our main objectives cover the establishment of a Robotics Hub within the former Petrila Mine, where we aim to provide robotics education for Jiu Valley’s students. The 4 local robotics teams have already made notable progress, actively participating in national competitions and creating an informal venue for robotics-related activities within the former Petrila Mine’s spaces.
The heart of our initiative is the creation of a Robotics Hub, by adaptively reusing a segment of Petrila Mine’s industrial heritage, located in Petrila town, part of Jiu Valley. By transforming the former mining structures into our Hub, we will go beyond preserving the abandoned mining legacy: we will empower the local youth, provide an advanced learning environment for acquiring future-ready skills and reinvigorate the local economy, leading to the development of a well-trained workforce, support for local business and attraction of new investors.
Robotics Valley is built upon an informal education model that emphasizes inclusivity and availability of resources to all: it caters to all students interested in robotics, covers all ranges of robotics education (from fundamental principles to designing, using and applying robots across all contexts), offers tangible solutions for all economic sectors (including the mining), with the potential to optimize business processes for all local and (inter)national companies.
The heart of our initiative is the creation of a Robotics Hub, by adaptively reusing a segment of Petrila Mine’s industrial heritage, located in Petrila town, part of Jiu Valley. By transforming the former mining structures into our Hub, we will go beyond preserving the abandoned mining legacy: we will empower the local youth, provide an advanced learning environment for acquiring future-ready skills and reinvigorate the local economy, leading to the development of a well-trained workforce, support for local business and attraction of new investors.
Robotics Valley is built upon an informal education model that emphasizes inclusivity and availability of resources to all: it caters to all students interested in robotics, covers all ranges of robotics education (from fundamental principles to designing, using and applying robots across all contexts), offers tangible solutions for all economic sectors (including the mining), with the potential to optimize business processes for all local and (inter)national companies.
Key objectives for sustainability
Environmental sustainability shapes both the educational model embraced by Robotics Valley and the Robotics Hub’s structural framework. Notably, some of the robots previously designed by the local robotics teams have integrated environmental/climate protection features, such as the air quality measurement kit. Furthermore, in an effort to preserve Jiu Valley's mining heritage, events have been held within the boundaries of the former mine, effectively rejuvenating its purpose. All past robotics events have focused on minimizing pollution from waste generation and energy consumption.
Turning our gaze to the future, we underscore that the Robotics Hub will be established through the adaptive reuse of the former Petrila Mine’s spaces and facilities. This Hub concept adheres to principles of nZEB, circularity, positive energy, recycling in construction and operational phases and environmental/climate footprint reduction.
Regarding the educational model championed by Robotics Valley, it places a premium on resource efficiency not only in robot development but also in training and intervention processes. The training conducted by Robotics Valley promote circularity and eco-design throughout the robot building process, instilling in students a comprehensive perspective that encompasses the entire product lifecycle. This approach ensures that students cultivate technical expertise while developing a deep understanding of sustainability.
Our approach is exemplary because it advances environmental and climate sustainability throughout Jiu Valley by expediting the transition from mining, a polluting and perilous industry, to an economy propelled by high-performance activities like automation and robotics. By positioning technology and knowledge at the forefront, these activities foster economic welfare (diverse applications in services and industry) and gender equality, while generating environmental benefits through their potential integration in green business processes.
Turning our gaze to the future, we underscore that the Robotics Hub will be established through the adaptive reuse of the former Petrila Mine’s spaces and facilities. This Hub concept adheres to principles of nZEB, circularity, positive energy, recycling in construction and operational phases and environmental/climate footprint reduction.
Regarding the educational model championed by Robotics Valley, it places a premium on resource efficiency not only in robot development but also in training and intervention processes. The training conducted by Robotics Valley promote circularity and eco-design throughout the robot building process, instilling in students a comprehensive perspective that encompasses the entire product lifecycle. This approach ensures that students cultivate technical expertise while developing a deep understanding of sustainability.
Our approach is exemplary because it advances environmental and climate sustainability throughout Jiu Valley by expediting the transition from mining, a polluting and perilous industry, to an economy propelled by high-performance activities like automation and robotics. By positioning technology and knowledge at the forefront, these activities foster economic welfare (diverse applications in services and industry) and gender equality, while generating environmental benefits through their potential integration in green business processes.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Despite Jiu Valley's natural beauty, its deteriorated industrial heritage doesn’t offer a visually appealing landscape, instead leaving a somber impression on those who see it. While the robotics teams don’t have the ability to change this reality, it is exemplary how they made every possible effort to breathe life and vitality into Petrila Mine’s spaces and other public areas (the Children's Park, the Local Library). These spaces have hosted various robotics events and initiatives, offering a pleasant experience for students and all participants and fostering, through the inviting environment, stronger connections. During the numerous events and activities (competitions, presentations, workshops, debates), Robotics Valley have successfully bridged the realms of culture and technology, even through the inauguration of mural paintings by well-known local and national artists.
Looking ahead, our objectives in terms of aesthetics will materialize in the new Robotics Hub, to be established within the former Petrila mine and potentially extended to other coal mines through satellites. Our goal is for this space to shed a positive light on the former Petrila Mine in several ways: creating spaces with attractive, welcoming and energizing designs, incorporating vibrant colors to reinvigorate the aging and weathered architectural heritage, introducing furniture that sparks creativity and proactivity, establishing communal areas that encourage collaboration and camaraderie and designing outdoor spaces that facilitate the connection with nature and offer opportunities for mental relaxation.
Ultimately, the Hub will be a place that not only stimulates the intellect, encouraging innovation, discovery and learning through visual and spatial means, but also nourishes the soul. It will be an inclusive space, designed for all, promoting a sense of fulfillment and belonging through beautiful experiences – accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.
Looking ahead, our objectives in terms of aesthetics will materialize in the new Robotics Hub, to be established within the former Petrila mine and potentially extended to other coal mines through satellites. Our goal is for this space to shed a positive light on the former Petrila Mine in several ways: creating spaces with attractive, welcoming and energizing designs, incorporating vibrant colors to reinvigorate the aging and weathered architectural heritage, introducing furniture that sparks creativity and proactivity, establishing communal areas that encourage collaboration and camaraderie and designing outdoor spaces that facilitate the connection with nature and offer opportunities for mental relaxation.
Ultimately, the Hub will be a place that not only stimulates the intellect, encouraging innovation, discovery and learning through visual and spatial means, but also nourishes the soul. It will be an inclusive space, designed for all, promoting a sense of fulfillment and belonging through beautiful experiences – accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.
Key objectives for inclusion
Within Jiu Valley, miners face the looming threat of poverty and consequent marginalization as a result of the mines' closures. This situation has given rise to plenty socio-demographic issues: low life quality, few educational, employment and business opportunities, out-migration. Part of our population are the (grand)children of former miners, who, driven by these harsh conditions, prefer to leave Jiu Valley in search of better growth prospects and a sense of inner fulfillment. By offering free, accessible development opportunities for all interested youngsters, Robotics Valley is exemplary in its fight to overcome these challenges. At our events, we even engage the broader community, both young and old, in intergenerational exchanges, allowing them to feel the positive energy we bring. Our vision is to continue and elevate these efforts, ensuring that the Robotics Hub will be open, affordable and accessible to all students wanting to join local robotics teams. Its facilities will be free of charge for students and will accommodate individuals with disabilities, guaranteeing that everyone has the opportunity to gain valuable robotics skills. We are committed to preserving the Robotics Valley’s informal education model, as an ongoing community service dedicated to supporting all our young people.
Up to this point, our students have not only benefited from the initiatives we have implemented but have also become agents of change in their own right. We wish to furtherly support the youth in being the creators of a beautiful, inclusive and sustainable future for their home. Therefore, our model of inclusive and open education through robotics will encourage young people to stay in Jiu Valley, where they can nurture and propel their community with their skills, creating an ideal environment for professional and personal prosperity.By instilling confidence in our young residents, we aim to restore hope to their families and over time, reinvigorate the entire community.
Up to this point, our students have not only benefited from the initiatives we have implemented but have also become agents of change in their own right. We wish to furtherly support the youth in being the creators of a beautiful, inclusive and sustainable future for their home. Therefore, our model of inclusive and open education through robotics will encourage young people to stay in Jiu Valley, where they can nurture and propel their community with their skills, creating an ideal environment for professional and personal prosperity.By instilling confidence in our young residents, we aim to restore hope to their families and over time, reinvigorate the entire community.
How Citizens benefit
The education model supported by Robotics Valley and cultivated within the Robotics Hub is inherently participatory. Us, the students, conceive and organize our activities, prepare and present our robotic applications. However, we are not alone. Permanent support comes from the local community and ecosystem, which help us with funding, materials, information and learning sources, promotion avenues, collaboration networks, educational visits and assistance in participating in competitions. Our support network includes our high schools and Petrosani University, local NGOs comprised in Valea Jiului Implicata Coalition, public administration bodies (City Halls and more recently, County Councils) and many individual local and (inter)national experts who generously contribute their time and expertise. We also benefit from the backing of international NGOs, which propel our ambitions. Moreover, we’re supported by families, neighbors and friends, who saw how robotics not only harnesses technology but also serves as a catalyst for collective growth, enabling us to address local challenges by collaboratively leveraging global solutions.
This collaborative approach has nurtured our progress and will furtherly drive our growth as we advance our educational model and create the Robotics Hub. Only through the combined efforts of our entire community and local ecosystem, complemented by external support, we can realize our dream: to transform Jiu Valley into a beautiful, green and inclusive region. We aim to ensure that the legacy of mining is not forgotten, but that the strong spirit of the miners, who have historically confronted all sorts of challenges, is channeled by us, their descendants. We strive to direct this spirit towards educational and economic activities that are environmentally friendly, elevate the role of women (replacing the traditional idea of housewives with proactive women who drive change) and pave the way for a prosperous future for any young person.
This collaborative approach has nurtured our progress and will furtherly drive our growth as we advance our educational model and create the Robotics Hub. Only through the combined efforts of our entire community and local ecosystem, complemented by external support, we can realize our dream: to transform Jiu Valley into a beautiful, green and inclusive region. We aim to ensure that the legacy of mining is not forgotten, but that the strong spirit of the miners, who have historically confronted all sorts of challenges, is channeled by us, their descendants. We strive to direct this spirit towards educational and economic activities that are environmentally friendly, elevate the role of women (replacing the traditional idea of housewives with proactive women who drive change) and pave the way for a prosperous future for any young person.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Innovative character
Currently, there is no initiative in Jiu Valley or Romania that aligns with our vision of creating a distinctive community service through a participatory and informal learning model focused on robotics: Robotics Valley covers all the robotics teams from all our JT region’s cities, being open to all these youngsters without any charges. We want to take it a step further, through the Robotics Hub, set to be developed within the confines of a former coal mine. Our initiative's innovativeness lies in the fact that we are transforming the beneficiaries (students from a JT area) into proactive agents of change within Jiu Valley, particularly by providing future-oriented skills: robotics and related competencies. Despite the challenges they face, such as limited opportunities and a lower standard of living, these young people are at the forefront of local efforts to preserve the historical and emotionally significant industrial heritage, adapt educational processes to the contemporary job market and stimulate the local economy's rejuvenation. Furthermore, the skills they acquire will allow them to impart their knowledge to friends, colleagues, family members and other people they will encounter over time.This aspect is truly exceptional and groundbreaking as an approach to the Just Transition, as it involves a shift from young individuals to a whole new community of valuable, fresh talents, from mining to robotics and from marginalized individuals to change instigators.
Thus, our model is distinctive in its goal of nurturing a new generation, supporting local companies in need of such a skilled workforce and disseminating knowledge from Jiu Valley to external entities, such as non-local businesses requiring the expertise of our youth.
The eventual realization of the Robotics Hub will illustrate how the mining heritage can be brought back to light through the local youth’s fresh perspectives, the distinctive approach to revitalization and the supported educational model.
Thus, our model is distinctive in its goal of nurturing a new generation, supporting local companies in need of such a skilled workforce and disseminating knowledge from Jiu Valley to external entities, such as non-local businesses requiring the expertise of our youth.
The eventual realization of the Robotics Hub will illustrate how the mining heritage can be brought back to light through the local youth’s fresh perspectives, the distinctive approach to revitalization and the supported educational model.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
Robotics inherently embodies transdiciplinarity, but our approach to pooling knowledge from diverse fields for a shared goal goes beyond this aspect.Our robotics teams’s students have various high school backgrounds- some study mathematics and IT,others specialize in economics, natural sciences and so on. Thus, when co-developing applications, we do not use only our technical skills, but capitalize on all the know-how we have based on our academic profile, to create solutions that contain multiple disciplines.
Appart from our robotics workshops, which cover various sciences, from IT and engineering to pedagogy and social sciences, we also participate in other local educational initiatives, such as last year’s financial education workshop, where we learned how to leverage potential future income to ensure our long-term financial sustainability. The local events to which we volunteer or showcase our robots often revolve around culture, demonstrating to the local community and visitors alike how art and technology can be creatively harmonized to craft beautiful experiences and spaces.
The Robotics Hub concept drew upon a wide array of expertise (from urban planning and architecture to engineering and environmental sciences),through the engagement of many local and (inter)national experts. Although we played a consultative role to ensure that our vision remained central to the concept, we want to acknowledge that the credit for translating our ideas into a blueprint lies with all the above-mentioned experts.Of course, the support we receive from the local community and beyond covers a diverse array of knowledge: our support network includes teachers specialized in various subjects, the local NGO’s volunteers who, appart from volunteering, have various jobs/professions, as well as local entrepreneurs, all of whom contribute not only in terms of material and financial assistance but also by sharing invaluable insights and expertise garnered from their respective fields.
Appart from our robotics workshops, which cover various sciences, from IT and engineering to pedagogy and social sciences, we also participate in other local educational initiatives, such as last year’s financial education workshop, where we learned how to leverage potential future income to ensure our long-term financial sustainability. The local events to which we volunteer or showcase our robots often revolve around culture, demonstrating to the local community and visitors alike how art and technology can be creatively harmonized to craft beautiful experiences and spaces.
The Robotics Hub concept drew upon a wide array of expertise (from urban planning and architecture to engineering and environmental sciences),through the engagement of many local and (inter)national experts. Although we played a consultative role to ensure that our vision remained central to the concept, we want to acknowledge that the credit for translating our ideas into a blueprint lies with all the above-mentioned experts.Of course, the support we receive from the local community and beyond covers a diverse array of knowledge: our support network includes teachers specialized in various subjects, the local NGO’s volunteers who, appart from volunteering, have various jobs/professions, as well as local entrepreneurs, all of whom contribute not only in terms of material and financial assistance but also by sharing invaluable insights and expertise garnered from their respective fields.
Methodology used
We see Robotics Valley as a community service designed to support underprivileged youngsters in Jiu Valley, by offering an informal, collaborative learning model that equips them with the skills to contribute to a sustainable, inclusive and beautiful future right home. We aim to prepare a local workforce capable of seamlessly integrating into diverse teams across various fields and aspire to keep our talented individuals from leaving home in search of better educational, professional and recreational opportunities.
Our approach involves a recurring methodology, featuring a series of activities such as: robotics workshops (which range from understanding the basics of robotics to customizing robots to address real-world needs, workshops on complementary topics (such as entrepreneurship or investments), participation in events (including those held within Petrila Mine) and local, regional and national robotics competitions, learning and promotion visits, presentations on national television to showcase our achievements in robotics, thus drawing public attention to the Jiu Valley. We're also working on applications for awards and projects that can help support our growth, such as the current one.
All these endeavors revolve around using robotics as a solution to address the challenges we face, including the lack of alternative informal education opportunities, limited skill acquisition options for future adult life, gender disparities in the local social and economic landscape, unemployment risks due to the mines’ closure, environmental and climate concerns stemming from the region's industrial history and the need to improve the local community's visibility and reputation on the national and European stage.
Ultimately, our aim is to consolidate these efforts within the proposed Robotics Hub at the former Petrila Mine, as outlined in the Urban Regeneration Masterplan for Petrila Cultural Exploitation, which has received the endorsement of our local authorities.
Our approach involves a recurring methodology, featuring a series of activities such as: robotics workshops (which range from understanding the basics of robotics to customizing robots to address real-world needs, workshops on complementary topics (such as entrepreneurship or investments), participation in events (including those held within Petrila Mine) and local, regional and national robotics competitions, learning and promotion visits, presentations on national television to showcase our achievements in robotics, thus drawing public attention to the Jiu Valley. We're also working on applications for awards and projects that can help support our growth, such as the current one.
All these endeavors revolve around using robotics as a solution to address the challenges we face, including the lack of alternative informal education opportunities, limited skill acquisition options for future adult life, gender disparities in the local social and economic landscape, unemployment risks due to the mines’ closure, environmental and climate concerns stemming from the region's industrial history and the need to improve the local community's visibility and reputation on the national and European stage.
Ultimately, our aim is to consolidate these efforts within the proposed Robotics Hub at the former Petrila Mine, as outlined in the Urban Regeneration Masterplan for Petrila Cultural Exploitation, which has received the endorsement of our local authorities.
How stakeholders are engaged
Robotics Valley is a collaborative effort that extends beyond the core group of Jiu Valley’s students, encompassing a wide range of local and (inter)national contributors. We need the same multi-level support to materialize the Robotics Hub concept.
Each robotics team corresponds to a high school in Jiu Valley and comprises students from various profiles, who come together to explore and apply robotics techniques and solutions, ultimately transforming mere ideas in functional robots. Horizontal collaboration extends further, as robotics teams from various Jiu Valley high schools frequently engage in joint local initiatives, mainly by organizing robotics events under the umbrella of Robotics Valley and participating in events that extend beyond our region.
Our work, however, goes beyond the students, thanks to the involvement of partners and supporters from various sectors. Local experts guide our learning and the applications we develop and frequently grant us access to external expertise, through national and European specialists. Local NGOs and their volunteers help bringing our dreams to fruition, facilitating visits, presenting our work, organizing events and providing essential resources, from materials to networks. The public administration offers logistical support, participates in our events and pushes the Hub’s construction. Companies within Jiu Valley, as well as external businesses contribute with funds to sustain our aspirations and make our informal education model accessible to all young individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances. Lastly, the European Commission, along with several renowned international organizations, acknowledges and encourages our efforts.
We aspire to foster the same type of cooperation and support in the realization of the Robotics Hub. Without the assistance and partnership of all stakeholders from these levels and sectors, our mission and educational model would progress at a much slower pace.
Each robotics team corresponds to a high school in Jiu Valley and comprises students from various profiles, who come together to explore and apply robotics techniques and solutions, ultimately transforming mere ideas in functional robots. Horizontal collaboration extends further, as robotics teams from various Jiu Valley high schools frequently engage in joint local initiatives, mainly by organizing robotics events under the umbrella of Robotics Valley and participating in events that extend beyond our region.
Our work, however, goes beyond the students, thanks to the involvement of partners and supporters from various sectors. Local experts guide our learning and the applications we develop and frequently grant us access to external expertise, through national and European specialists. Local NGOs and their volunteers help bringing our dreams to fruition, facilitating visits, presenting our work, organizing events and providing essential resources, from materials to networks. The public administration offers logistical support, participates in our events and pushes the Hub’s construction. Companies within Jiu Valley, as well as external businesses contribute with funds to sustain our aspirations and make our informal education model accessible to all young individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances. Lastly, the European Commission, along with several renowned international organizations, acknowledges and encourages our efforts.
We aspire to foster the same type of cooperation and support in the realization of the Robotics Hub. Without the assistance and partnership of all stakeholders from these levels and sectors, our mission and educational model would progress at a much slower pace.
Global challenges
Global challenges we tackle:
EDUCATION: We aim to improve the educational process by preparing our students for the future jobs and societal needs and equipping them with knowledge not limited to robotics but extending to areas such as financial investments, sustainable entrepreneurship, digitization, climate change mitigation/adaptation, circularity. This comprehensive approach also ensures they are well-prepared to find innovative solutions for the JT challenges.
POVERTY: Many of our students come from families affected by unemployment and reduced incomes following the mines’ closure. We offer them learning and training opportunities, empowering them to secure better employment or even embark on their entrepreneurial/NGO journeys.
CLIMATE CHANGE: For our future work, we aim to train students in sustainability and climate change, in order to foster greater awareness and readiness for addressing climate-related issues and also to design robots that can tackle climate/environmental problems. Here we also include the plan to transform the old buildings of Petrila Mine into a climate-neutral, eco-friendly Hub.
AGING: By investing in high school students, particularly those in urgent need of support, we enhance the prospects for retaining young graduates within the local community, thereby rejuvenating the region. Our students could also design robots dedicated to improving the life quality for our senior community.
GENDER BALANCE:We are dedicated to breaking gender stereotypes associated with robotics, particularly in smaller urban communities where traditional gender roles persist. Our mission is to provide access to learning and professional opportunities for girls and young women, ensuring they have equal access to the field.
DEMOCRATIZATION:We empower youngsters with training, education and a workspace where they can innovate, take action and thrive. This approach gives them the opportunity to drive positive, sustainable and inclusive change for their home.
EDUCATION: We aim to improve the educational process by preparing our students for the future jobs and societal needs and equipping them with knowledge not limited to robotics but extending to areas such as financial investments, sustainable entrepreneurship, digitization, climate change mitigation/adaptation, circularity. This comprehensive approach also ensures they are well-prepared to find innovative solutions for the JT challenges.
POVERTY: Many of our students come from families affected by unemployment and reduced incomes following the mines’ closure. We offer them learning and training opportunities, empowering them to secure better employment or even embark on their entrepreneurial/NGO journeys.
CLIMATE CHANGE: For our future work, we aim to train students in sustainability and climate change, in order to foster greater awareness and readiness for addressing climate-related issues and also to design robots that can tackle climate/environmental problems. Here we also include the plan to transform the old buildings of Petrila Mine into a climate-neutral, eco-friendly Hub.
AGING: By investing in high school students, particularly those in urgent need of support, we enhance the prospects for retaining young graduates within the local community, thereby rejuvenating the region. Our students could also design robots dedicated to improving the life quality for our senior community.
GENDER BALANCE:We are dedicated to breaking gender stereotypes associated with robotics, particularly in smaller urban communities where traditional gender roles persist. Our mission is to provide access to learning and professional opportunities for girls and young women, ensuring they have equal access to the field.
DEMOCRATIZATION:We empower youngsters with training, education and a workspace where they can innovate, take action and thrive. This approach gives them the opportunity to drive positive, sustainable and inclusive change for their home.
Learning transferred to other parties
Considering our initiative's components, we believe that all of them could (and should, given the enthusiasm we continually receive from the local students) be transferred to other locations and beneficiaries, either as integrated concepts tailored to local specifics or as standalone elements. Therefore, replication in any other community can encompass the following key aspects:
FOUNDING VISION:Empowering local youth by equipping them with future-ready skills, rather than allowing them to confine themselves to the grey walls of their home or seek opportunities elsewhere for personal development.
MODEL:Providing informal education beyond the limits of traditional schooling, fostering co-participation among diverse students, always with the support of local stakeholders and not limited to a specific group. This model is inclusive and cost-effective due to the support from the community and the ecosystem, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder students' participation.It's also based on a complementary approach, which means that while the focus is on robotics, it also encompasses other activities such as financial education and art, with students being either spectators or volunteers.
PROCESS:The mechanisms through which we organize events under the banner of Robotics Valley and engage with the local ecosystem, including NGOs, volunteers, companies and public administration. This collaborative approach unites the entire community in pursuit of a common goal: co-generating beauty, innovation and sustainability through robotics.
FRAMEWORK:The Robotics Hub, the detailed concept of which is presented in the Urban Regeneration Masterplan for Petrila Cultural Exploitation. This Hub can be replicated in various spaces, not limited to former mining areas.
Replication is particularly well-suited for regions undergoing a Just Transition, especially cities facing the closure of coal mines and the subsequent restructuring of their economies and societies as a whole.
FOUNDING VISION:Empowering local youth by equipping them with future-ready skills, rather than allowing them to confine themselves to the grey walls of their home or seek opportunities elsewhere for personal development.
MODEL:Providing informal education beyond the limits of traditional schooling, fostering co-participation among diverse students, always with the support of local stakeholders and not limited to a specific group. This model is inclusive and cost-effective due to the support from the community and the ecosystem, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder students' participation.It's also based on a complementary approach, which means that while the focus is on robotics, it also encompasses other activities such as financial education and art, with students being either spectators or volunteers.
PROCESS:The mechanisms through which we organize events under the banner of Robotics Valley and engage with the local ecosystem, including NGOs, volunteers, companies and public administration. This collaborative approach unites the entire community in pursuit of a common goal: co-generating beauty, innovation and sustainability through robotics.
FRAMEWORK:The Robotics Hub, the detailed concept of which is presented in the Urban Regeneration Masterplan for Petrila Cultural Exploitation. This Hub can be replicated in various spaces, not limited to former mining areas.
Replication is particularly well-suited for regions undergoing a Just Transition, especially cities facing the closure of coal mines and the subsequent restructuring of their economies and societies as a whole.
Keywords
skills
robotics
education
interdisciplinary
sustainability
