This article presents five innovative mechatronic prototypes developed as educational tools to enhance engineering education by bridging theoretical concepts with practical implementation. The systems are organized into two thematic sections.

The article presents the use of the Gradient Adjoint Method for numerical optimization of internal channels in hydraulic manifolds manufactured using additive manufactuirng. Traditional design methods are often limiting the geometry due to machining and support structure requirements. Additive manufacturing enables complex geometries; however, for components with internal fluid flow, it is still necessary to consider the constraints of additive manufacturing processes and self-supporting conditions.

Sustainable cultivation of urban agricultural areas in the future can be achieved by using automated fleets of processing robots that will be able to adapt their activities to the availability of solar energy. Since this energy source varies depending on the season, it is crucial to consider several factors when designing power systems and algorithms for robot operation.

This paper introduces a structured approach to the multi-objective optimization of electrical machines. The process covers the key steps: defining the problem, identifying the most relevant key performance indicators and constraints, setting the design space, formulating objective functions, and then modeling and evaluating the results.

This paper presents the use of an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) for supplying robotic cells with products at LTH Castings d.o.o., a company that has been successfully expanding its business for many years while placing strong emphasis on investments in the automation of the production processes. Although the current level of automation is already high, further investments in this area are essential, as the rapid development of industry requires continuous upgrading and optimization.

This paper introduces six novel mechatronic systems driven by pneumatic actuators, developed as instructional models aimed at enhancing the education of mechanical engineering students in pneumatic power systems and automatic control. The initial system presented is an autonomous vehicle prototype powered entirely by compressed air, utilizing pneumatic artificial muscles for propulsion.

The paper presents an approach that enables efficient multi-agent path planning. The environment is described by a graph that represents a network of roads and crossroads for vehicles of different shapes and velocities. The multi-agent pathfinding approach is based on a safe interval path planning algorithm with priorities and safe locations, which together allow for lifelong operation.

The study investigates the use of additive manufacturing technologies in the production of hydraulic components, focussing on 3D-printed valves and manifolds with integrated pressure sensors. Additive technologies such as Metal Binder Jetting (MBJ) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) enable design freedom, component consolidation and optimisation of internal geometry to reduce pressure losses and mass.

This paper presents the use of a digital twin as a key tool for optimizing layouts and internal logistics in the company UNIOR. Following the closure of one of its production units, it was necessary to relocate several machines and technologies to two existing locations, with the goal of achieving an efficient arrangement with minimal construction interventions.

The paper presents implementation of advanced algorithms in PLC using the higher-level programming language SCL for PID parameter tuning in process automation. Nowadays advanced algorithms can also be implemented directly in PLCs, whereas implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms is particularly interesting.