Students in the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science at The Hochschule Niederrhein start their studies with a practical project. In the first semester project, they independently develop driving robots and build them from scratch: from soldering the circuit board to designing and programming the vehicle. The robots from 75 teams competed against each other in the "Soccer" competition. Now the best teams have been distinguished by the faculties.
The competition took place as part of the Engineering Days on 23 and 24 January 2026. In the tournament, the driving robots have to transport as many balls as possible from their own half of the field to the opponent's side or into the goal without crossing the centre line. First place went to team 14-c with Jamila Elhassani, Volodymyr Tyshchenko and Maximilian Schwab.
The aim of the project is to introduce students to key engineering working methods at the commencement of studies. These include, in particular, interdisciplinary thinking, problem-solving skills and scientific work. "In the application-oriented degree programmes in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and Robotics as well as Computer Science and Digital Forensics, we place particular emphasis on practical orientation," says Dr Matteo Zella, Professor of Computer Engineering. The aim is to prepare students for professional life at an early stage.
The students were divided into teams of four and three from different degree programmes. "The practical and playful approach enables a quick sense of achievement, strengthens confidence in one's own abilities and promotes teamwork," says Dr Matteo Zella, Professor of Computer Engineering and part of the support team for the first semester project.
The prize-winning robots are currently on display in the showcases on the first floor of the A building at Reinarzstraße 49 in Krefeld.
