Avainsana: SICK Hackathon
Building Skills and Global Networking Connections: How Metropolia Opens Doors for Students
Being a student at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is a unique experience that transcends traditional education. Metropolia encourages students to actively participate in various events and community initiatives, paving the way for personal growth, skill development, and the formation of invaluable connections. My recent experience with Jesse Bove, Samuli Ahokas, both students and Garage Club members, and Niilo Jaakola from the University of Tampere at the SICK Sensor Intelligence Hackathon in Germany showcased how these opportunities can lead to unforgettable life experiences. Garage Club, Robo Garage, and AIoT Garage Picture: Garage logo. Garage Club is a social community created by students from different academic fields to work on their hobbies and participate in activities and competitions focused on autonomous robotics and technology, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (AI & IoT), indoor and outdoor mobile robotics, and drones. Garage Club also provides students with the chance to connect with companies and network with industry professionals through projects and collaboration activities. Garage Club is part of Robo Garage and AIoT Garage, two of Metropolia’s collaboration platforms that focus on Robotics, IoT, AI, and machine learning technologies. For more information, visit the following links: Garage Club: https://www.metropolia.fi/en/rdi/collaboration-platforms/garage/club Garages: https://www.metropolia.fi/en/rdi/collaboration-platforms/garage Skill Development Through Active Participation Picture: Metroteam members working with other team members. At Metropolia, students are provided with numerous opportunities to engage in hands-on learning experiences. From the Garage Club to collaboration platforms like Robo Garage and AIoT Garage, students can work on innovative projects that enhance their technical skills and creativity. These platforms allow students to work with cutting-edge technologies and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. During the SICK Hackathon, our team chose to develop a solution to improve road safety using SICK’s sensor technology. Although we faced many challenges, our previous experience with courses and SICK LiDAR sensors at Metropolia made it easier to set up our hardware and extract necessary data from the provided engineering software. This experience sharpened my problem-solving abilities and technical skills, fostering a practical understanding of our fields and preparing us for the workforce. Networking with Global Professionals Picture: Metroteam members discussing ideas with ABB robotics professional. Metropolia's emphasis on international collaboration allows students to connect with peers and professionals from around the world. The SICK Hackathon brought together participants from diverse backgrounds, facilitating rich exchanges of ideas and perspectives. I made connections with fellow students and industry professionals, expanding my network and gaining insights into various fields. These networking opportunities are invaluable. Metropolia hosts various events and initiatives that connect students with industry experts, enhancing our understanding of the job market and helping us prepare for future career paths. Garage Club also facilitates interactions with professionals, offering mentorship and guidance. Creating Unforgettable Life Experiences Picture: Metroteam members at SIA Academy during SICK Hacakthon. The journey at Metropolia is about more than just academics; it’s about creating lasting memories and friendships. The connections formed during events like the SICK Hackathon often lead to collaborations and lifelong friendships. Being part of a community that values innovation, teamwork, and diversity enriches our educational experience. Metropolia's international focus means students can participate in global events, further enhancing their cultural awareness and understanding. These experiences not only broaden our horizons but also instill a sense of adventure and curiosity that will serve us well in our careers. Being a student and a staff member at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences means embracing opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. Through active participation in university events, students can develop vital skills, build confidence, network with professionals, and create unforgettable experiences. Initiatives like the Garage Club and partnerships with organizations such as SICK, ABB, and many more, show how Metropolia provides an environment where students can thrive and excel. Picture: Metroteam and other participants from Finland. Whether you're attending hackathons, joining innovative projects, or simply engaging with peers, Metropolia offers a wealth of opportunities that prepare students for the future. I am grateful for my experiences and excited to see where this journey will take me next! Join us in Garage Club and connect with talented students, future clubmates, and industry professionals! Send us an email, and I would be more than happy to add you to our community! Writer: Fayez BassalatElectronics Engineering StudentProject Assistant and Garage Club Hostfayez.bassalat@metropolia.fi
A Journey to the SICK Hackathon
A lot can happen in just one week. You can travel to another country, join a unique problem-solving event, and make friends with people from all across the world. I did all this and more during the week of October 14-20, 2024. I experienced what many consider a once-in-a-lifetime event. Earlier this year, I applied for the SICK Solution Hackathon and was accepted, along with 102 other students and engineers from around the world. So, I traveled with Fayez Bassalat and Samuli Ahokas, colleagues from Metropolia, to Freiburg, Germany. The idea behind this Hackathon was to invite bright minds from all walks of life to problem-solve, innovate, and create solutions to current or future problems using the hardware and software of the host, SICK, and their partners. Usually, teams are formed during the first steps of the event. However, I was already part of a team with Fayez and Samuli. We managed to pick up one more member, Niilo Jaakkola, an IT student from the University of Tampere. The Challenge Picture: Fayez, Samuli, and Niilo listening to one of the Hackathon coaches. We were given a myriad of problems to solve, but we decided to come up with our own idea. We explored the possibility of using Lidars and cameras in tandem with Augmented Reality to help drivers see around blind corners. Working non-stop for two days was mentally and physically exhausting. Long days with only breaks for food and coffee. But we pushed through and eventually got a working demonstration of the concept. We presented it on Livestream to up to 250,000 people, along with all the other groups and their solutions. Truthfully, I think our presentation fell a bit flat compared to others. However, we were commended for our efforts and for getting a working demonstration done in less than 48 hours, when their R&D had been trying to do the same for nearly a month. This shows that working on a myriad of projects, be it through courses or through Metropolia’s collaboration platforms like Robo Garage and AIoT Garage, has it merits. Picture: Example of our solution in action. The blue lines visualize the walls, overlaid onto a video feed. Overcoming Hurdles Picture: Niilo, Jesse and Samuli on stage presenting our solution. I had never been to a hackathon before this, so I wasn’t fully sure what was expected of me. This caused me to stress out a bit and led to some miscommunication within the group. However, we overcame these hurdles with the help of other groups and the coaching staff. The hackathon veterans told us that it’s part of the experience and it will get easier over time. Personal Growth During the week, I honed my project management skills by working with new and familiar faces, trying to combine our strengths to overcome our weaknesses. I connected with people from all over the world, making friends with contestants from the USA and South Africa, who are now LinkedIn connections. There was even a team with half Japanese and half Georgian contestants who didn’t have a common language but still managed to compete and win. I also practiced presenting to a massive audience of people worldwide, standing tall and proud, even though inside I was terrified. All in all, this was the most intense learning experience of my life. And I would do it again if I got the chance! Writer: Jesse Bové Robo Garage assistant & Mechanical automation engineering student Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Pictures by Andreas Kusy Photography