In the Tech Lab of the VU Education Lab, 3D printers hum to life each day. Since 2019, the VU University Library has been equipped with three cutting-edge 3D printers, nestled alongside a VR installation in the Tech Lab. Within this technological haven, an interesting project unfolds. Aleksey Martynyuk, first year bachelor in Artificial Intelligence at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and his team of passionate students, immerse themselves in the realm of 3D design and prototyping.
The journey started with Martynyuk, an urban planning and GIS professional, reentering academia after years in the industry. Driven by a desire to reconnect with nature amidst the digital saturation, he sought a physical venture blending AI, robotics, and his environmental passion. Martynyuk envisions a future where small, low-cost sensors dropped in nature with drones could provide a comprehensive understanding of nature.
A fusion of technology and environmental consciousness that seeks to revolutionize data collection in nature and agriculture, without disrupting the natural order or having to bend over backwards to drop the sensors in nature to collect data. It enables real-time monitoring of emissions, such as those from agriculture and industry, cost-effectively. Their goal? Transform data collection methods, providing a deeper understanding of mother nature and its subtleties.
The kick-off of an exciting journey
His passion for the project was infectious, and he quickly set out to collect a group of equally passionate students, each contributing with their unique set of skills to this venture – ranging from economics to computer science and artificial intelligence.
The excitement and the project started to snowball when the team was presented with an opportunity: to be part of the VU StartHub programme. A programme that facilitates several start-up spots for VU students, employees and alumni who want to start a business. They quickly acquired a second-hand drone, obtained licenses, and set up an office in a shipping container. “As we print the components this week, settle into our new office at the StartHub, and proudly have an official brand name and logo: it marks the kick-off of an exciting journey. We're still in the early stages, but we can envision the broader picture of what lies ahead!”
Despite their initial lack of 3D printing knowledge, they quickly immersed themselves in the process of 3D prototyping, using slicer software and a printer to bring their vision to life. “Embarking on this project, I found myself not knowing anything about 3D printing. Having never delved into 3D printing before, I turned to the Tech Lab at the university. With guidance from Linde Voorend (Manager Tech Lab), I learned the complexities of the 3D printer: mastering the software, understanding the connections, and witnessing our ideas materialize into tangible prototypes.”
