Lukashenko met with young technicians and inventors, praising their innovations
During his visit to the Minsk City Technical Creativity Centre for Children and Youth, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko engaged with the pupils of the centre and praised the projects they showcased, BelTA reports
“Good afternoon, Kulibins! [referring to Ivan Kulibin, a famous Russian mechanic and inventor] How many of you know who Kulibin was and what he accomplished? This will be your homework. Report back to the Mayor of Minsk, and he will inform me,” the President greeted the children.
Aleksandr Lukashenko encouraged the centre’s pupils to continue developing their skills, assuring that the government will provide the necessary support. “Guys, thank you very much. Do something useful and beneficial for the country. I wish you success. If you face any difficulties, let me know. But remember, you will still need to deal with challenges and tasks. We will enable conditions for you to handle them like you do it here. The building [referring to the centre’s facility] is suitable for you to try things out in this initial phase,” the Head of State added.
Aleksandr Lukashenko thoroughly reviewed the centre’s educational and material resources, toured labs focused on different fields of innovative technical creativity, spoke with teachers and their pupils, and examined the projects on display.
At the robotics lab, the President was shown an all-terrain robot by its young creator, Yevgeny, who described the device’s features and potential. Yevgeny hopes that the robot could eventually be mass-produced.
“Mass production can only begin if, e.g., a manufacturer shows interest. The concept, as you know, is not new. Robots like these already exist. However, you need to develop a superior robot. The competition is fierce. Therefore, I wish you success,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
He also advised the guy to find a skilled team, since handling everything alone is challenging.
At the same site, the Head of State reviewed a track for robot technology complexes, which serves to train robots in navigating different obstacles. The information was provided by the teacher, Dmitry Zhuk.
Aleksandr Lukashenko asked a very relevant question that many find difficult to answer definitively, “Are you inclined to believe that robots will not replace humans in the near or distant future?”
“In any case, someone has to write the programmes for them. Although there are neural networks now, it is still humans who configure them. It is impossible to do without people,” the specialist replied.
The President agreed with this and thanked for the work. “Thank you for selecting these youngsters and mentoring them in these challenging engineering fields. This is something we truly need. [This area] is in demand and will continue to grow. We will also strive to ensure they do not leave the country — neither to America nor Germany — but instead have the opportunity to study, innovate, and work here in Belarus,” the President stated.
“All the necessary conditions are in place,” Dmitry Zhuk said.
“Not only here. We will also develop something even better,” the Belarusian leader emphasised.
Another room houses a lab dedicated to project activities, which is equipped with computers, a multiboard, 3D printers and various other tools. Working in this lab helps pupils enhance their engineering abilities and assists them in planning the steps needed to reach their goals.
One of the pupils in the lab, Vladislav, showcased his project: a prototype of a home robot vacuum cleaner, which is assembled from inexpensive, makeshift parts. However, it should be noted that this is still a child’s creative effort and only a prototype. Vladislav demonstrated the vacuum cleaner in action and said that he had also written the programme code for it himself.
The President regarded the development with great seriousness. Furthermore, Vladislav asked for support for the idea of producing these robot vacuum cleaners in Belarus.
“Well, if you’re ready,” the President responded, “I believe if we create our own version, you’ll give me with the first unit.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko urged companies like Integral and Horizon to focus on this issue, “We need to inform them. Let them take a look.”
Another project by the young developer is a self-sufficient energy source that incorporates solar panels in its design. This device can even power a light bulb or a TV set. The discussion here involves the production of solar panels in Belarus. The President acknowledges that this could be a promising area.
“I’ll tell you, we generally have enough sunlight [for the effective use of solar panels]. I tried it myself at my home in the village where I lived. We purchased solar panels because I wanted to lower electricity usage. It worked out very well, and they are still functioning,” the Belarusian leader shared from his personal experience.
He also proposed sending the young boy to real enterprises in Belarus so he could gain hands-on experience with manufacturing processes and engage with adults who produce different kinds of electronic equipment.
Aleksandr Lukashenko also got acquainted with the work of the automotive lab. In one of the rooms, he saw a racing car simulator where 12-year-old Mikhail was working. Mikhail has been involved in karting for seven years. “My father introduced me to motorsport. He was also involved in it, and I plan to continue his legacy,” the young racer confidently said.
The President wished him success but advised him to be cautious on the road in everyday life, “I hope you get your driver’s license soon, but don’t drive carelessly. Speaking as a driver myself, sometimes we speed, but it only gain 3-4 additional minutes. Is it worth the risk? No, it’s not. So take your time in life.”
The Head of State also praised the fact that children are being taught how to assemble machinery and understand the components of an engine. “Well done, this is very important. Nowadays, most drivers only know how to steer, and when you ask them basic questions, they don’t have the answers,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “I still remember my teacher from when I studied at the DOSAAF school (there was a serious exam back then). I remember everything they taught me about cars. I still recall it clearly. It’s a valuable and practical knowledge that today’s youth often lack.”
The youngsters learn about the design of cars and motorcycles not only in theory but also through hands-on experience. A fully equipped workshop is set up in the adjacent lab, while MotoVeloZavod [a motorcycle and bicycle plant] provides motorcycles. Among the instructors, there are even specially trained staff who have completed higher education in technical fields.
“This is our wealth. You study, graduate, come back, work and teach. Most importantly, you must not stop, but continue to develop. We need smart people like this,” the Head of State emphasised.
One of the students named Sonya was introduced to Aleksandr Lukashenko. She is an athlete who competes in motorcycle races. She was even described as the MotoVeloZavod’s chief critic, capable of suggesting improvements to the design.
“That’s absolutely right. You’re helping me a great deal because I supported maintaining the production of motorcycles and bicycles in the republic,” the Belarusian leader stated. “I’m a motorcyclist myself. I can ride a Harley, and I own an electric bike. Unfortunately, up to now, it has been assembled at MotoVeloZavod using various parts, not all of which are domestic. However, this is a positive development. The future is in electric motorcycles and cars.”
“That’s great. As a child, I was always fascinated by taking things apart and putting them back together. It didn’t always go smoothly. There were no such conditions,” the President added.
While on the territory adjacent to the centre, the President observed a demonstration of radio-controlled car models and hands-on exercises in operating UAVs. The area designated for radio-controlled models complies with all relevant international standards and requirements, making it an ideal place for skill development and equipment testing in preparation for competitions.
Car models are essentially miniature replicas of real cars. They include an internal combustion engine, a transmission and a functioning independent suspension system. In other words, they are fully developed in miniature form.
The President was told that most children who begin attending the centre at age six don’t just join one club, but participate in several simultaneously, allowing them to learn a wide range of modern technologies.
In the end of the meeting, the children presented Aleksandr Lukashenko with a custom-made robot figurine designed in the colours of the national symbols. The President ordered that ‘this man’ be displayed in the Palace of Independence.
Additionally, Yevgeny, the creator of the robot, told the Head of State that he wishes to study at the technopark and pursue his idea of developing specialised prosthetics for those who are injured or have congenital conditions. “I want to do this in our country,” the young boy said.
“That’s a good initiative,” the President responded positively.
To mark the occasion, Aleksandr Lukashenko took a photo with all the children.
