On June 27, the Lviv Polytechnic National University (Lviv Polytechnic) officially opened a modern Research and Educational Center “Engineering and Robotics” with through a grant from the USAID Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA). This center aims to develop the skills of students of applied mechanics and mechanical engineering.
At the opening, USAID ERA Deputy Chief of Party Kirsten Pfeiffer said,
“This center will significantly enhance the university’s practical training and research capacity. It will ensure that students receive the highest level of education and hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment. We welcome active cooperation between the university and businesses. The new equipment will help to conduct joint research projects.”
“Young leaders, technical specialists and future entrepreneurs are critical to Ukraine’s economic growth and sustainability,” she continued. “This partnership shows that, with support, Ukraine has the people and determination to lead its own recovery.”
Head of the Lviv Oblast State Administration Maksym Kozytskyi also confirmed the necessity and importance of training specialists in these areas.
“It is important that this center can serve as an additional base for enterprises in Lviv Oblast engaged in milling and metalworking, as well as a basis for joint research between the university and business,” he said.
With support from mentors, students will learn new technologies and methods of metal processing and analysis on a laser cutting machine, a bending machine, a vertical milling machine, a spectrometer, a pendulum copra and other equipment.
Yurii Bobalo, Rector of Lviv Polytechnic explained, “Lviv Polytechnic trains high-class specialists, and the training process depends on three very important factors. The first factor is high-class lecturers. Second are motivated students who want to know and learn. The third factor is logistical support. We are always grateful when we receive from our American friends not only military and other aid, but also logistical support for educational institutions.” “.
At the opening event, participants discussed the prospects of the university’s cooperation with state authorities and businesses on improving educational programs, conducting laboratory and practical classes, joint research and R&D.
In addition, heads of five enterprises (PJSC “Kriukiv Carriage Building Plant”, PJSC “Lviv Locomotive Repair Plant”, Research and Mechanical Plant “Karpaty”, Plant “Polymer-Electron”, LLC “Kuka Ukraine”) signed a memorandum on cooperation and development of joint projects.
“This is the third laboratory created with the assistance of the USAID ERA, and I am confident in the success of its work,” said Nazar Podolchak, the Head of Tech Startup School. “During the relatively short period of our cooperation, students began to develop practical skills and create and implement their own projects…during the holidays, they will work with mentors…In the future, the center will serve as another step towards the development and transformation of the metalworking sphere thanks to the students.”
Starting next semester, more than 200 students will use the equipment and work with five mentors to develop their practical skills, ideas and projects in metalworking.
“This equipment is modern and does not require physical strength,” said Alina Shavlei, a student of Applied Mechanics at Lviv Polytechnic National University. “Having learned how to operate it, now I can easily adapt to work at enterprises. I have always liked natural sciences, and I see prospects in such professions, which used to be purely male. I think that more and more girls will be interested in them.” .
In addition to the lab and classes for students of Lviv Polytechnic, master classes and workshops will be open to students of other educational institutions.
The educational center is located at: 1 Profesorska Street (14th educational building of Lviv Polytechnic) and 1 Ustiyanovicha St. (15th educational building of the Lviv Polytechnic University).