The winner is a Mechanical Engineering student at IFE, an ECIU ambassador. He is interested in aeronautics and new technologies. He is passionate about space and plans to develop his career in this field. He participated in the European Space Agency initiative – Fly A Rocket! as well as Direction Earth/Space.
What does your project entail?
Its main goal is to build a prototype of a snake-like robot, based on McKibben artificial muscles, which could move in tight, longitudinal spaces.
What are the prospects for the development of this research?
As the robot is in the prototyping phase, further research focuses on optimizing the solution and adapting it for medical applications. The chosen type of drive – McKibben muscles, with their constructional elasticity, create very promising conditions for their further development.
Describe your scientific work.
The research began with learning about artificial muscles – their construction, operation, and problems during construction. It was an incredibly helpful experience that introduced me well to further work, already on a full-fledged robot.
The research began with learning about artificial muscles – their construction, operation, and problems during construction. It was an incredibly helpful experience that introduced me well to further work, already on a full-fledged robot.
In which fields will this solution find application?
Mainly in medicine. The robot is designed to examine the gastrointestinal tract, detect tumors and other diseases, and also treat them. It is worth noting that the solutions used in it make it very versatile. Therefore, it can also be used in other tight spaces, where access by other means is too difficult or even impossible.
Who is your mentor?
My mentor is Łukasz Frącczak, PhD whose versatility in research led me to choose his topic. Dr. Frącczak, combining many fields of engineering in his work, was an obvious choice for me, which enabled me to develop comprehensively.
What inspires you in scientific work?
The awareness of entering unexplored areas. Research and scientific work are the highest way of using knowledge acquired conventionally, during studies. Discovering new things, or a new perspective on various topics is incredibly inspiring – it drives creativity and faith in our abilities.
Maciej Szulczewski is already a participant in the 3rd edition of the E2TOP program and will work on coatings for use in space.
Interview by: Agnieszka Garcarek-Sikorska