Libor Beránek, Ph.D., Deputy Vice-Dean for External Relations and Industry Cooperation, comments on the topic: "At the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at CTU in Prague, we do not view digitalization and additive manufacturing merely as buzzwords, but as concrete tools for transformation that fundamentally alter how entire industrial enterprises are designed, operated, and managed. Our goal is to help companies move these concepts from mere declarations to practical application. In the fields of digitalization and Industry 4.0, our Department of Machining, Process Planning and Metrology offers companies comprehensive support that begins with an analysis of their current status. We help identify processes with the greatest potential for digitalization and propose a realistic transformation path, rather than a sweeping, costly overhaul lacking clear benefits." A key tool here is the use of digital twins of production systems; these allow for the simulation and subsequent optimization of production flows, machine utilization, energy consumption, and the impact of organizational changes—all before implementation. "We also develop and design new machining technologies and advanced manufacturing processes tailored to specific companies," adds Mr. Beránek. One example is the development of technology for producing segmented face-type diamond grinding wheels for glass polishing, carried out in collaboration with the company Diamond Contact.
The Department of Environmental Engineering has long focused on energy efficiency in buildings. A prime example of this long-term cooperation is the development of a rotary regenerative heat and moisture recovery exchanger. A heat exchanger achieving a temperature factor (heat recovery efficiency) of over 80% was developed in collaboration with KASTT, the only purely Czech manufacturer. The rotary exchanger facilitates the transfer of both sensible and latent heat. Current collaborative efforts focus on increasing the amount of water vapor transferred by utilizing hygroscopic layers applied to the exchanger's surface, which will yield significant energy savings during air humidification.
Research results in the field of biomechanics exemplify the successful collaboration between mechanical engineers and medical professionals. The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering has long been dedicated to developing new implants and replacements for the human skeleton and certain soft tissues. This development process includes mechanical testing and computer simulations to assess the service life of the replacements. Additive manufacturing technologies are also employed in the development of implants, prosthetic devices, splints, and medical equipment—for instance, in the production of custom-made medical devices.
Scientists from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering also participate in international projects. They designed a unique solution for the research organization CERN in Geneva. To cool detectors and their associated electronics in two major LHC experiments, they designed metal heat exchangers for the AFP and PPS2 cooling systems using additive manufacturing technology. Testing demonstrated improved thermal performance and flexibility, paving the way for future applications in particle physics experiments—and beyond CERN. As part of the "Czech Journey to Space" project, the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is participating in research for the European Space Agency (ESA). Within the METRO project, the department is investigating an experimental photobioreactor for the International Space Station (ISS) designed to push the boundaries of efficient algae cultivation in space conditions. It is verifying the system's effectiveness in a microgravity environment, which would enable astronauts to regenerate air and produce fresh food without chemical limitations during long-term missions.
Part of the exhibition will also focus on automation and the use of machine learning. An exhibit from the Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering will demonstrate how a functional operational-state classifier can be created in just a few minutes—without cloud computing or historical data, and using a computer costing only a few thousand crowns. The display will also show that developing advanced walking robots no longer requires millions of crowns or proprietary industrial drive systems.
Once again this year, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is providing significant space for student creative teams, whom it has long supported in developing their projects and participating in international competitions. The teams engage in their own research and development, going well beyond the scope of typical student projects.
The eForce Prague Formula team competes in Formula Student races—an international engineering design competition for university students. Each year, the team builds an improved version of its race car and competes against a strong field of over 500 university teams from around the world. With its CTU.26 race car, the team won both the autonomous and combined categories at Formula Student Italy this year and also brought home a victory from the Formula Student Spain competition.
Two teams are dedicated to the development, construction, and testing of space technologies. Students from the CTU Space Research team developed the *Illustria* rocket, featuring custom 3D-printed fuel and the *Cimrman* flight control computer. The team’s primary goal is to represent the university at the international European Rocketry Challenge (EuRoC). Meanwhile, the CTU Robotics team is developing a functional model of a space rover equipped with a robotic arm, designed for operation on Mars. The rover supports simultaneous localization and autonomous navigation, utilizing artificial intelligence methods.
The CTU AeroLab team, specializing in small aircraft design, builds models for international competitions such as the SAE Aero Design and Air Cargo Challenge, where participants face a unique mission each year. The objective is to conceive, design, manufacture, and test a radio-controlled aircraft capable of takeoff, landing, and successfully completing the assigned task. The team consistently ranks among the top competitors on the international stage.
Come see the exhibits in person and speak with the creators to learn more. We look forward to welcoming you to the MSV trade fair in Brno—taking place from October 6 to 9, 2026—at Pavilion A1, Stand No. 024!