Emerson has met the demands of today’s challenging environment by offering you the opportunity to connect with our innovative products and industry experts at our unique roadshow. This mobile resource of innovation provides dynamic demonstrations of the latest product advancements in digital transformation, machine automation systems, and fluid control solutions. At the beginning of July 2023, this exhibition on wheels will be hosted by Smart Pneumatics Lab, a research laboratory belonging to the Department of Robots and Manufacturing Systems (The Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Robotics, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest)
From March 12 to March 19 2023, a group of international students participated in a BIP (Blended Intensive Programme) course on Virtual Reality (VR) at the Athens Network camp. The course, organized by AVRENG, focused on the AVRENG Lab’s pillar of Augmented and Virtual Reality, which is a vital component of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The ATHENS Network, established in 1997, is a collaborative effort among 14 European technological universities and nine ParisTech Graduate Schools of Engineering. Its primary objective is to facilitate the exchange of students, teachers, and researchers from prominent European technological universities and jointly participate in European technological development and training programs.
One of the network’s noteworthy initiatives is the ATHENS week, an intensive program of coursework taught at each member institution during November and March. In addition to the traditional ATHENS courses, the network introduced the BIP, a blended program that combines the ATHENS course during the ATHENS week with an online component before or after the session.
For the participating students, completing a BIP entailed earning a minimum of 3 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) and receiving a daily allowance of 70 € for on-site participation. There was an additional incentive of 50 € for “green traveling,” promoting sustainable transportation options. Students were advised to consult their home university’s local coordinator for further details before applying.
The AVRENG Lab, dedicated to the advancement of Augmented and Virtual Reality, specializes in academic and industrial connections, research infrastructure development, and specialized staff training. Five years ago, the lab initiated a master’s program called Educational Techniques in Virtual Environments, offering courses on LSM platforms and Augmented Reality used in e-learning platforms. During this period, the lab published several scientific papers and books, marking the emergence of A&VR activities in their faculty.
Under the leadership of AVRENG, the lab has been actively selecting students who understand the significance of virtual environments and experiences for industry and manufacturing. They aim to translate the technology from entertainment to the factories of the 21st century.
In pursuit of collaborative opportunities, AVRENG established ties with ENSAM Cluny for a Double Diploma program in 2006. This collaboration provided insights into the activities of the Institute Image in Chalon-sur-Saône, France. In May 2016, a working visit involving key representatives from both institutions took place, resulting in the decision to establish the AVRENG lab, specifically focusing on industrial applications of Augmented and Virtual Reality.
Over the next 2-3 years, AVRENG’s main objectives include integrating the lab into the university strategy, connecting it with national and international applicative research networks, securing funding for infrastructure development, identifying Romanian industries utilizing or planning to implement such technologies, fostering A&VR interest within the faculty’s programs, and establishing a strong partnership with the Institute Image.
AVRENG has already initiated projects involving holographic systems for telepresence and has acquired a virtual immersion system based on Oculus Rift glasses, enabling real research to commence. The collaboration between AVRENG and the Institute Image holds promise for advancing their shared objectives and furthering their respective scientific endeavors.
The participation of international students in the BIP VR course at Athens Network’s camp not only contributes to their academic growth but also fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of Augmented and Virtual Reality. With the AVRENG Lab’s dedication and the support of the ATHENS Network, the future of A&VR in engineering appears promising, paving the way for innovation and advancements in various industries.
From May 19th to 21st, 2023, the prestigious EELISA Student Scientific Competition took place in Pisa, organized by EELISA (European Engineering Learning Innovation and Science Alliance). The event attracted over 40 teams from the University Politehnica Bucharest, showcasing their innovative projects and research endeavors. Among these teams was our own, presenting our project on ” THE USE OF SMART PNEUMATICS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF VEHICLES WITH PNEUMATIC ENGINES”
The EELISA Student Scientific Competition is a platform that fosters talent management and offers opportunities for self-education and elite training to nurture the future generation of scientists. It has been a cornerstone of talent development in Hungary for the past 70 years, with the participation of numerous top Hungarian researchers.
This year’s competition was held in conjunction with the 2nd Research-based Learning Symposia, with the aim of establishing collaborative research interests and activities among EELISA partners. The event followed a hybrid format, allowing participants to engage both on-site and online.
Our team joined the competition with great enthusiasm, presenting our groundbreaking project that focused on the application of intelligent pneumatics in the construction of engines for vehicles powered by compressed air. Our research delved deep into this field, exploring innovative techniques and addressing professional questions related to this technology.
The benefits of participating in the EELISA Student Scientific Competition are manifold. Firstly, it provided us with the opportunity to write a research paper akin to those published in the Scientific Student Associations movement. Moreover, it allowed us to delve deeper into our specific area of study, enabling us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
To participate in the EELISA Student Scientific Competition, we were required to submit a research report spanning 20 to 60 pages, prepared with the guidance of experienced supervisors. These reports underwent thorough evaluation by two reviewers before the event, ensuring the quality and rigor of our work.
At the symposia, each team delivered a 10-minute presentation, followed by a scientific discussion, in sessions dedicated to their respective fields of expertise. These presentations were evaluated based on the established rules of the Hungarian TDK and OTDK conferences.
Our team’s participation in the EELISA Student Scientific Competition has been an invaluable experience, allowing us to showcase our innovative research and collaborate with fellow scholars. We are immensely proud to have represented our university and contributed to the advancement of scientific knowledge in our field…
We are delighted to announce that our team participated in the prestigious scientific session at Productica 2023, held on May 12-13, 2023. The event was organized by the Polytechnic University of Bucharest and the Municipality of Mioveni, in collaboration with the Academy of Romanian Scientists and the INCERTRANS SA Institute of Transport Research.
Productica 2023 marked its fifteenth edition since its inception in 2009 by the Center for Creativity Development, affiliated with the Academy of Romanian Scientists. The session aimed to showcase the latest scientific advancements from universities, research institutes, and companies. The conference included several sections, namely:
Innovative Products and Technologies
Advanced Materials for Human and Environmental Protection
Innovation based on Smart Development Strategies
Business Environment Development – dedicated section for companies
Our team presented a remarkable project titled “THE USE OF SMART PNEUMATICS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF VEHICLES WITH PNEUMATIC ENGINES” The project focused on exploring the potential of intelligent pneumatic systems in engine construction for vehicles powered by compressed air. Our research highlighted the advantages of this innovative approach, such as improved energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced performance.
We would like to express our gratitude to the organizing committee of Productica 2023 for providing us with this invaluable opportunity to present our research and contribute to the advancement of science and technology. Our participation in this session has not only expanded our knowledge but also fostered collaborations and exchanges with experts from various fields…
Embarking on a transformative journey, three students from Politehnica University of Bucharest had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Blended Intensive Programmes mobility at the prestigious Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). As part of the Athens Week, this once-in-a-lifetime experience allowed them to delve into the realm of sustainable hydropower development. Guided by exceptional professors, they engaged in a range of activities, including hands-on experiments, research, and exploration of cutting-edge technologies. Let’s dive into their remarkable week and the impact it had on their academic and personal growth. The collaboration between Politehnica University of Bucharest and NTNU provided a platform for academic enrichment and international collaboration. This Blended Intensive Programmes mobility offered our students an immersive experience, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. Their one-week journey was filled with eye-opening activities and encounters that expanded their understanding of sustainable hydropower development. During their time at NTNU, our students were immersed in the world of complex calculations and data analysis. They had the unique opportunity to collect samples from a local mountain and apply computational techniques to determine the potential power generation from the hydropower resources available. This hands-on experience gave them a profound understanding of the intricacies involved in harnessing sustainable energy from natural sources. At NTNU, our students were granted access to state-of-the-art laboratories showcasing the latest prototypes in sustainable hydropower technology. They witnessed firsthand the innovative solutions being developed for future hydropower projects. Exploring these advanced prototypes not only expanded their knowledge but also fueled their imagination, inspiring them to contribute to the future of clean energy. As part of their enriching experience, our students had exclusive access to an advanced meteorological station. This opportunity allowed them to collect vital environmental data, including weather patterns, precipitation levels, and other relevant metrics. By understanding the intricate relationship between the environment and hydropower generation, they gained a holistic perspective on sustainable development. The partnership between Politehnica University of Bucharest and NTNU proved to be highly successful, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and personal growth. This transformative experience not only strengthened their academic foundation but also nurtured lasting connections with professors and students from diverse backgrounds. The possibilities for future collaborations are endless, as both institutions strive for continued advancement in the field of sustainable energy.
The Blended Intensive Programmes mobility at NTNU was a remarkable journey that left an indelible mark on the lives of three students from Politehnica University of Bucharest. Through their participation in the Athens Week, they were immersed in the world of sustainable hydropower development, gaining invaluable knowledge and hands-on experience. Their exposure to cutting-edge technologies, computational calculations, and environmental data collection fueled their passion for clean energy and solidified their commitment to a sustainable future. The successful partnership between the two universities serves as a testament to the power of international collaboration and the limitless possibilities it holds for future generations of students.…
From 19 to 21 May 2023, POLITEHNICA University of Bucharest organized the second edition of POLI AutoFEST, one of the largest car exhibitions. During the event, vehicle lovers experienced a unique encounter between the past and the future, having the opportunity to travel through the wonderful world of the automobile, looking towards tomorrow’s transportation. Drifting demonstrations, test-drive sessions and workshops dedicated to topics of interest such as road safety or the car of the future are just some of the activities that POLI AutoFEST has prepared for participants. At POLI AutoFEST, more than 230 cars were presented, and among the exhibitors was the Țiriac Collection, the gallery of exclusive cars belonging to businessman Ion Țiriac, Mercedes Benz, Renault and other famous brands. This collection included examples representative of every important decade in automotive history, starting in the 1940s, as well as electric and hybrid models from various brands of commercial vehicles.
UPBAir took part in the event, presenting their cars which caught the attention of the participants due to their innovative concept. The two cars on display represent an interesting combination of technology and manual labour. One of them is the car that was used in the Pneumobile competition in 2022, a competition dedicated to air-powered vehicles. This car was built and optimised by our team to perform in the competition. In addition, we also have the 2019 car, which was restored with great passion and meticulousness by our team members. This vehicle is an eloquent example of how they demonstrated the operation of the pistons through pneumatic actuation. Partners and visitors to the event were attracted by the car’s innovative features and the impact it can have on mobility. Both cars are the result of the team’s efforts to explore and experiment in engineering. They are tangible evidence of the team’s passion for innovation and dedication to building and improving their cars.…
Imagine that you are part of a treasure hunt game, a classic concept that takes you on a journey full of mystery and adventure.
Now, think about how exciting it would be to take this concept and turn it into a captivating way to find your next dream job. Well, that’s what we, the members of the UPBAIR club, in collaboration with VEEAM Software and Open for Business organization, have done by combining the treasure hunt concept with a recruitment process.
Open for Business is an organization focused on organizing events and actions that help young people and others integrate into the job market and promote sustainable career development that has collaborated in the last 5 years with VEEAM Software – a privately held US-based IT company that specializes in simplifying backups for virtual machines, an industry leader that continues to innovate the industry to provide data protection anywhere in the hybrid cloud.
During a day full of action and adventure, students were challenged to find employers, answer questions, and demonstrate problem-solving and teamwork skills. This activity was not only fun, but also provided a unique opportunity for students to showcase their abilities and make a good impression on employers.
The UPBAIR team played a crucial role in organizing the event, leading the employers to the places where they were to be found by the students. Additionally, they were involved in creating clues and riddles for the Treasure Hunt. In the end, the students felt excited and motivated to work in teams, having the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and receive direct feedback from VEEAM employers.
Between 20-22 April, the Politehnica University of Bucharest invites you to participate in the Polifest educational fair.
The 12th edition of the engineering educational fair, Polifest promotes education, innovation and technology. The event aims to create a bridge between academia and business and to give future engineers a clearer picture of the evolution of this profession in relation to technological progress.
During the three days dedicated to the event, participants will have access to scientific conferences, workshops, exhibitions of equipment and new technologies, presentations of educational offers and job opportunities. Participants will also enjoy surprises, prizes and interactive games prepared by the organisers.
More than 70 companies, along with representatives of faculties and members of associations of students will be present at Polifest.
During this event the UPBAIR team will participate by presenting two cars: the car with which they participated in the 2022 Pneumobile competition and the car from 2019 that they have restored. Along with the two cars, the team will also have a booth showing how the pistons work and operate with compressed air.
If you would like to see the cars and find out more about the UPBAIR team, we invite you to come to the Politehnica University Rectory on 20-22 April from 10am to 4pm.
On January 12, 2023, the UPBAIR team of the Polytechnic University of Bucharest participated in the gala of the national competition Patriotfest, held at the National Military Circle. This participation was a great honor for the team, which returned home with the “Research for Defence” Award with the project “Pure Pneumatic Engine”.
PatriotFest is the only national innovation competition organized by the defense and national security institutions. At each edition, experts from the PatriotFest community select and reward the most interesting, functional, and practical ideas from Romanian innovators from home and abroad. The winners receive support to improve their projects and have access to consultations between the organizing institutions and members of the PatriotFest community.
The competition focuses on creativity, technological evolution, and authenticity while aiming at facilitating the innovation process to increase Romania’s security in a challenging period when hybrid threats are becoming increasingly varied and sophisticated. Also through the competition’s interplay, Romanian performance is supported by providing opportunities and leveraging results.
The fifth edition of the PatriotFest competition focused specifically on the areas of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence.
Of the nine prizes awarded at the PatriotFest Gala, one was won by Mihalache Ghinea, a professor at the Polytechnic University of Bucharest, and the UPB AIR team. Our team participated by presenting the project “Pure pneumatic engine” which travels 5 km at a maximum speed of 40km/h with only 10 liters of standard compressed gas, such a type of engine, which does not contain electronic elements, brings many advantages both in the field of safety and in other areas.
PatriotFest is initiated by the New Strategy Center Association and organized with the support of several institutions in the field of defense and national security: the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Romanian Intelligence Service, the Special Telecommunications Service, and the Protection and Security Service.
The event was broadcast live online on the New Strategy Center Association’s YouTube channel and on www.caleaeuropeana.ro and the Calea Europeană Facebook page, the media partner of the event.
Recently, new members joined the team with fresh forces, motivated and eager to get involved in the many activities of the laboratory. The recruitment took place in two stages: Completing the online form and interviewing with the coordinating teacher
A main quality we are looking for is involved because the work in the laboratory requires time and dedication, as demonstrated by the young members fully. They quickly integrated themselves starting with enthusiasm for the work on both the practical and the theoretical side. Under the guidance of the “old ones” the recruits gain the experience, knowledge, and skills that will maximize the team’s competencies.
“Forming a team is just the beginning, staying together is progress, working together is a success.” Like the words of the famous philosopher Henry David Thoreau, the team often organizes meetings where problems are discussed, events are planned, and possible weekly tasks are. Communication is an essential part of the team’s efficiency, which is why we organize parties, the most recent being Christmas, when recruits, games evenings, and group projects participated.
Without adding anything else, we are happy to introduce you to the new members of our team.in
Dovînteza Constantin-Leontin is a student in the year of the Faculty of Energy. Building and repairing electronic items is one of his hobbies, which influenced his choice of faculty. She is also passionate about photography and walks in nature.
What made you choose to join the UPB Air team?
“The opportunity to learn new things in an interactive and possibly fun way, in a field different from the one I’m going to specialize in at my chosen college.”
Which area is most of your interest in the team?
“The field that arouses my greatest interest in the team is the manufacturing and testing of the prototype, this includes both the electrical and the mechanical and pneumatic parts.
Do you think that the things learned at UPB Air will be useful to you during and after your studies?
“I think any study opportunity is welcome given that engineering is a complex field involving knowledge in most technical fields, Deepening my knowledge of air and mechanics at UPB Air becoming an important advantage for the start of my engineering career.”
Olteanu Vlad-Andrei is a third-year student of the Faculty of Industrial and Robotics Engineering. His hobbies include Volunteering, camping, skydiving, music, and skateboarding.
What made you choose to join the UPB Air team?
“Since high school, I’ve been attracted to the idea of being part of an engineering club in the faculty. I think it’s nice to be part of a team of people working together on a project. Once I found out that there was such a place in our college, I didn’t think long before I enrolled.
From what source did you find out about recruitment?
“From my group mates, although I had seen that there was a room with such a club a long time ago.”
Do you think that the things learned at UPB Air will be useful to you during and after your studies?
“I am convinced that through UPB Air I will develop a lot professionally, gaining as much technical knowledge as possible, but also personally, because where you can learn better to work in a team than at an engineering club.”
Făsie Răzvan Tudor, a second-year student at the Faculty of Energy is passionate about design, problem-solving, music, and video essays.
What made you choose to join the UPB Air team?
“I chose to enroll in UPB Air because I wanted to be part of a project that challenges skills that cannot be used normally in our university. When I was registered in my first year, I was extremely disappointed because I expected many things to be different, especially the way we are prepared to become engineers. From what I had seen and heard almost everywhere, I understood that the engineer must be someone who, faced with a difficult situation, uses science and ingenuity to solve the problem. This image that was imprinted on my mind was the reason why I abandoned any other alternative to enrolling in UPB. However, the style of teaching I have found only encourages scientific training (and this, in large part, through memorization and writing after dictation), never encouraging the creative spirit. That’s why I consider myself lucky because I learned about the UPB Air project. In just 3 days after signing up, I learned many technical terms that will use after graduation, and I had to use my creativity to improvise a tool that I didn’t have in the workshop. I know it sounds like an extremely insignificant thing, but for me, it was very satisfying to see my “invention” go. I can’t wait to take part in the design of a new pneumatic car, with which I hope we will win the Pneumobile contest.”
When did you first hear about UPB Air?
“I first heard about the project when I was walking around the campus, and
I saw the first car created on the workshop. “
Do you think that the things learned at UPB Air will be useful to you
during and after your studies?
“UPB Air allows me to develop practical skills, and I’m sure that anything you do during college can help you be a better engineer. Given that information is everywhere on the internet and anyone can access it, employers believe that hard skills and discipline are much more important than the theory of college years. “
Arafat Khaled Marius, a first-year student of the Faculty of Industrial and Robotics Engineering is passionate about drawing, programming, application development, and experiments, especially on Arduino.
From what source did you find out about recruitment?
“I was just leaving the drawing class when a colleague told me that a car was walking in the college lobby so I met two UPB Air members who guided us toward the decision to join the team.”
Congratulations to our team members for winning third place in the Design & Manufacturing Competition 2022!!!
The project presented by our members consisted of the use of intelligent pneumatics in the construction of vehicles with air motors (CAV - Compressed Air Vehicle), an idea based on research, innovation, and creativity. The competition was a good opportunity to get in touch with the level of concerns and achievements in the field at a national level.
In November, the Faculty of Technological Engineering and Industrial Management Brasov, through the Department of Manufacturing Engineering organized the second edition of the National Student Design & Manufacturing Competition 2022. This competition aims to promote creativity in the manufacturing process, providing the engineering community with new perspectives in the conceptual development of products, and create, develop, and maintain a student forum to popularize new and innovative ideas.
Competition topics include:
Computer Aided Manufacturing/Robotics;
Development of manufacturing systems and processes;
Applications of new materials in automotive, aerospace, prototyping, and manufacturing;
Software/hardware solutions contributing to the improvement of manufacturing processes. There were 12 projects entered presenting models or mock-ups in the field of manufacturing science and engineering which were supported by 29 students under the guidance of 15 teachers. Participants were from six university centers: Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Robotics in Bucharest, Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Robotics and Production Management in Cluj Napoca, Faculty of Engineering in Galati, Faculty of Managerial and Technological Engineering in Oradea, Faculty of Machine Building and Industrial Management in Iasi, Academy of Land Forces in Sibiu and Faculty of Technological Engineering and Industrial Management in Brasov.
After a long covid break, the organizing company Emerson could once again invite student teams to Hungary to compare their strengths and compressed air-powered vehicles. Thirteen teams took to the start line to compete in three disciplines: the Long distance race, where the vehicle that travels the longest distance on a single cylinder wins, the Arcade race, where the aim is to complete three laps of the circuit as quickly as possible, and the Drag race, which is won by the fastest vehicle over a 220-metre timed course.
The team “UPBAIR” passed the organisers’ entry check and qualifying without a single problem.
Next year the team has two races coming up. In addition to the classic race in Hungary, the organizers want to organize a competition in Germany.
How did the team and their car do?
Long distance: 8th place
Arcade race: not finished
Drag race: 10th place
Teacher's race: 12th place
The team of talented young students reached the goal they had set for themselves: they are the first team of the Politehnica University of Bucharest to qualify for the races Long distance and Drag race.…
Today, 15 July 2022, the first online course on the use of the PAC Machine Edition software platform took place.
The course was organized by SPL together with Emerson UK and Emerson/Aventics Eger, Hungary.
The course was attended by Mihai Ghinea (SPL director) and students Vlad Hasciar (responsible for the Pneumatics IIoT experimental booth) and David Holociuc.
The trainers were Steven Ward and Zsolt Piukovicz. During the two hours of training, several modules were presented on how to use the software platform, and configure and program a PAC (Programmable Automation Controller).
The Smart Pneumatics Lab is placed in room CB110 in the Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Robotics (FIER) and belongs to the Department of Robots and Manufacturing Systems. Its history begins in the ’80s as a computer center of the Department of Machine-Tools and Gears, one of the greatest academia and engineering departments. During the communist regime, between the ’70s and `80s, Romania was a great manufacturer of machine-tools, pushing the academia to create great engineers.
Following the revolution of 1989 until 2008, the laboratory had a purpose as a teaching facility for new disciplines that used the computer. Some of these disciplines were CAD Techniques and Computer Programming, disciplines that made a lot of UPB students participate in extracurricular activities. As time passed, the equipment has become obsolete, thus making the room unusable for modern teaching activities.
2008
Things changed in 2008 when room CB110 became the first Technology Transfer Center in the Faculty of Engineering of Management and Technological Systems (FEMTS at that time). The Timișoara company Bibus SES, Romanian representative of Bibus AG, came up with a significant investment to bring students as close as possible to the engineers of employing companies. The main objective was to interface industry and academia with the help of this innovative, dynamic and private company who represented a very wide range of industry producers from all over the planet.
The Bibus Technology Center became a place where students made first contact with the industrial engineering market. They met many representatives of multinational companies new to the Romanian market. The investment of Bibus SES helped a lot of students to write their Bachelor’s projects or research papers, and at the same time, develop creativity and skills that later would be used by future engineers at work.
2017
The UPBAIR team was born in 2017. This team has built a continuous research project and successfully won the annual participation at the international Pneumobile competition powered by Aventics in Eger, Hungary. The need to study and take a closer look at advanced pneumatic systems makes the laboratory upgrade in 2020, paving a new way into the field of pneumatic industry. Thanks to the help offered by the Aventics – Eger specialists, we began studying to create a complex experimental stand, aimed to help us understand better smart pneumatic systems. The integration of pneumatic systems through IIoT has become the main goal of our laboratory, and we are trying to bring as close as possible to industry students, graduate students, Ph.D. candidates and engineers.
The 2022 project coincided with the start of the development of the smart pneumatics IIoT experimental stand. In the desire to develop an engine with improved performance, the study of the behavior of pneumatic cylinders and gas consumption was considered absolutely necessary. In the next phase, the experimental stand will be equipped with a mechanical loading system for the pneumatic engine, so as to simulate all frictions and variations in additional weights.
COMPETITION
This year’s edition was a jubilant one, marking 15 years of Pneumobile. The new organizer, Emerson, decided that for the first time the competition would not be held in Eger, so the teams competed for the first time on the circuit in Kecskemet, near Budapest. 20 teams were invited but for various reasons only 11 were present. The team from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest was the only representative of Romania at this crossroads edition. Representatives of the Emerson company promised a complete change of the competition for future editions, with its organization in multiple European cities.
Mihai Agud (PhD) – Team Leader Preoteasa Mihail Agud Mark Nita Florin Constantinescu Victor
COMPETITION
As the pandemic was still present in Europe, the organizers considered it impossible to physically organize the competition in Eger. As a compromise solution, it was proposed to organize an online edition, with special trials held at the participating universities. Films were then made of these trials and sent to the competition jury in September 2021. The circuit was built in the UPB courtyard, near the Aula, and was smoothly covered by the new team driver, Victor Constantinescu.
PROJECT
For this edition, the team built a new prototype, complying with the new regulations that imposed the development of prototypes with only 4 wheels. The PAC (Programmable Automation Controller) RSTi-EP CPE115 Standalone Controller was used for the first time for electronic control. There were some problems related to programming this PAC, but on the filming day the car performed impeccably.
Due to the pandemic, that year’s edition was suspended. Although many teams worked on improving their prototypes, much of the enthusiasm of both students and organizers was lost. The company Aventics was bought by the American company Emerson, whose management made it clear that there would not be the same enthusiasm around the previously popular competition.
Mihai Agud (PhD) – Team Leader Dedinoiu Maria Ioana (Graduate) Ungureanu Liviu (Graduate) Stanciu Bianca (Undergrad) Macovei Dragos (Undergrad) Marin Flavius (Undergrad)
Competition
Compressed-air-powered vehicles – known as “pneumobiles” – designed and created by engineering students are competing at the annual event. The vehicles, which are based on Emerson’s AVENTICSTM pneumatics components, are tested for endurance, manoeuvrability and speed. This competition further demonstrates Emerson’s long-standing commitment to STEM programs that support the future workforce, including supporting over 350 academic institutions globally.
Project
This year’s project had the largest number of UPB students participating (14 of which 9 made the trip to Eger). This meant that the competition had become more attractive and was drawing more students towards applied engineering. With a new, more aerodynamic design, the prototype achieved the best results so far (4.3 km covered with a single cylinder and 34 km/h). In addition to the main team, Mercouffer Eduard Mihai, Preoteasa Mihail, and Barbu Andrei also participated as supporters.
Mihai Ghinea – Associate professor, PhD He is not just “the coach”, but the permanent interface between the needs of our team and officials, industries, sponsors, organizers etc
Dragos Chereches – 3rd year Bachelor student New entry in UPBAIR team
Daniel-Robert Stanciu – 4th year Bachelor student He is our chief mechanic, good at all and good friend of everybody. He is responsible with the protorype functionality, with the tools, our computer and our strategy
Bogdan Mihai Zbircea – 3rd year Bachelor student New entry in UPBAIR team
Liviu Ungureanu – 4th year Bachelor student He is our second mechanic, agood biker, and he will be our fast driver
Competition
Even the organizers themselves were surprised by the interest in the first race. Most of the participating teams brought very simple vehicles built of many bicycle parts and only a few of them used elector-pneumatic units. However, some interesting and smart designs popped up, such as the wheel-integrated drive. So today’s pneumobiles are equipped with dual brake systems, massive framework four-point safety belts among others and only sit-in constructions are allowed, where the frame structure surrounds and protect the pilot all around.
Project
The new UPBAIR project in 2018 introduced electronic control of the pneumatic equipment for the first time. The new members Dragos and Bogdan complemented the more experienced Liviu and Robert well. The new issues that arose did not greatly decrease the results of the previous participation, but certainly brought added experience to the team.
The story of the Pneumobile started in 2008 when the ancestors of Aventics Hungary Kft., named Bosch Rexroth Pneumatika Kft. and Bosch Rexroth Kft. organized the first competition. Back then, it was located at the factory’s park in Eger.
Inventors of the competition Ferenc Bolyki, Richárd Fülep, Endre Tamás, József Avar and László Szabó are engineers working at the firms mentioned above. They wanted to create a technical event where future engineers have the opportunity to inspect the mysteries of pneumatics and get acquainted with alternative applications of the products made in Eger. This is how the idea of the Pneumobile competition was born.
In 2008, 18 teams from 12 Hungarian universities entered the competition. 16 teams managed to build a working vehicle, the best of them were the engineers from the University of Debrecen. Teams from the College of Kecskemét, University of Miskolc, University of West Hungary, Szent István University, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, and Budapest College of Technology made it to the podium.
Project
The first participation of the UPBAIR team from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest meant the only pure pneumatic engine prototype at the competition. It was a success, the team ranking in the top half of all three competitions. With a modest budget but ambition and hard work, the four members of the team managed to attract the sympathy of everyone, and with their prototype having a design inspired by the ancient Roman battle chariots, they brought a pleasant uniqueness to the competition.
