SAF Tehnika supported the “RoboBattle 48” robotics hackathon, which took place from May 10 to 12, 2024. The event was organized by robotics enthusiasts in collaboration with the Science and Innovation Center of Riga Technical University and the Design Factory department of the Science and Innovation Center; it was implemented in cooperation with key partners such as the Latvian Electrical Engineering and Electronics Industry Association (LETERA), “Latvijas Finieris”, “Ye International”, “RS Delivers Latvia”, and “NULE”.
The hackathon, hosted at the RTU Science and Innovation Center, drew dozens of students, researchers, and startup representatives for a 48-hour robot-building competition.
“Last year, while participating in the Robotics and Electronics Day and discussing with like-minded individuals, we came to the conclusion that Latvian robotics competitions needed a new impulse,” says Gundars Miezītis, organizer of the “RoboBattle 48” robotics hackathon. “That’s how the idea for combat robot competitions, which are exciting and draw viewer attention, came about.” Miezītis adds: “The dynamic nature of the battles not only promotes the development of technical solutions but also encourages creative thinking, as even a strong opponent is not enough with mere agility. The interest in such battles also inspired others to build their own robots.” “By choosing the hackathon format, we were able to quickly create new robots – within 48 hours, ten new robots appeared in Latvia,” continues Miezītis. “During the preparation for the hackathon, basic electronics and software were developed, which are now available to anyone interested in building their own robot.”
Watch short video recap of the event
SAF Tehnika enhanced the event with their Aranet brand products, providing essential air quality monitoring with CO2 and particulate matter (PM) sensors, promoting an optimal environment for the concentration and well-being of all participants.
Normunds Bergs, Chairman of the Board at SAF Tehnika, emphasized the company’s commitment to education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). “Supporting RTU and these young technologists aligns perfectly with our goals. Events like ‘RoboBattle 48’ not only foster STEM skills but also promote competitive spirit and excitement among the youth,” Bergs stated. He also highlighted the company’s efforts to maintain optimal conditions for cognitive performance by monitoring air quality throughout the event.
The event concluded with the announcement of the hackathon winners: 1st place – robot “VIPER”; 2nd place – robot “SHREDDER”; 3rd place – robot “Leonardo”, who received valuable prizes from the event supporters. The robots created by the winning teams were recognized for their innovation and creativity.
In addition to the main competition, the jury evaluated the participants in four separate categories before the event started, awarding prizes for the Most Beautiful Robot, won by “Banana”; the Most Original Weapon, obtained by “Leonardo”; the Most Technically Outstanding Robot, in which “GLast” triumphed; and the Recycling King, clinched by “BestAgons”.
SAF Tehnika invites everyone to the upcoming Robotics and Electronics Day on May 18, 2024, which will also include the 16th stage of the Latvian Robotics Championship.
SAF Tehnika is proud to support youth education and development through high-quality, innovative solutions from the Aranet brand. We look forward to continuing our support at future events.
About SAF Tehnika
SAF Tehnika is one of the leading telecommunications equipment manufacturers in Latvia, operating in more than 130 countries worldwide. The company’s Aranet product range includes wireless sensor solutions for air quality monitoring.