The Werner von Siemens Prize for the Best Doctoral Thesis Dealing with the Topics of the Industry 4.0 Concept was awarded to Roman Parák, PhD, of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the Brno University of Technology for his dissertation entitled Design of Advanced Methods in the Field of Industrial Robotics Fitting into the Industry 4.0 Concept.
Roman Parák's doctoral thesis is a prime example of meeting the requirements of the Industry 4.0 concept, as it connects physical and digital systems for advanced automation. The doctoral thesis contains the design of a versatile robotic workplace with vertical system integration, which allows mutual cooperation and intelligent interconnection of various types of devices. To design and optimize the new workplace, it uses advanced simulations that work with virtual models of individual components. Thanks to this, it is possible to prepare the entire workplace design, including its optimization, in advance in a virtual environment and only then turn the satisfactory result into physical reality. The implementation of artificial intelligence for adaptive motion planning, which uses a combination of deep neural networks and reinforcement learning, plays a key role here. The main advantage of the proposed solution is the use of a universal method of kinematics, which ensures an independence of a specific type of robotic structure and supports wide applicability.
The workplace as a learning platform
"All the results of my research, whether as part of my dissertation or in a broader context, are publicly available through open-source projects. I consider this approach to be key to ensuring further development of research and strengthening cooperation within the scientific community," says Roman Parák. It was the combination of research into innovative technologies with practical applications that captivated Roman the most. And, this was exactly why he decided to choose this topic. But this work provided another benefit. The created unique robotic workplace remained at the university, so it now contributes not only to technological progress but also to the preparation of future experts and significantly supports the development of education at BUT. "I don't like to choose the path of least resistance, rather the opposite – I like challenges that stem from complex problems, where the final solution has a real meaning and impact," emphasizes Roman Parák.
His grandfather became a role model for life
When asked who his role model in life is, Roman Parák answers that it was his grandfather, who brought him to technology when he was a small kid. "Without his leadership, I probably wouldn't be where I am today. Although he was not a researcher, he, as a teacher who constantly combined theoretical knowledge with practical application, taught me that hard work and determination in achieving goals are what should accompany me throughout my life," he adds.
Awards as motivation
Success in the competition is a great motivation for Roman Parák for the future. He confirms that what he does has meaning and quality: "I believe that this success will help me, especially in my current position. In addition to working in the academic field at BUT, I also work at the INTEMAC Research and Innovation Centre, where I focus on applied research and at the same time lecture at educational events aimed at the support and development of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Czech Republic. I believe that this award will increase my credibility, which will encourage businesses to invest in modern technology."