Creating robot prototypes in collaboration with other students motivates Viktor Solianoi

Viktor Solianoi is a first-year student majoring in Automation and Robotics, provided in Finnish and Swedish. In the future, he wants to utilize the knowledge he has gained during his studies by working on projects with real social impact. 

How did you end up studying Automation and Robotics at Aalto University? 

My path to Aalto University was somewhat unusual, as I got my upper secondary education from a vocational school, not a general 'high school' (lukio). My vocational qualification is in mechanical engineering and production technology, within which I focused on production automation and industrial robotics. During my studies, I became fascinated by robotics and realised that I wanted to continue my studies in such an interesting field – that is, to also complete a higher education degree related to automation and robotics. 

I explored various university and applied science options extensively. I ultimately ended up choosing Aalto University, which attracted me due to its long history: it has inherited the technical education from the Helsinki University of Technology (TKK), the oldest and largest technical university in Finland. It was also interesting to me that Aalto actively conducts research, and on the other hand, many researchers also teach. For me, the message was that as a student I could better myself in the presence of people who are researching and promoting the field at its forefront. 

In autumn 2024, I visited the Experience Aalto Campus event, which solidified the idea that I wanted to specifically study at Aalto University starting in 2025. To achieve this, I began studies in the Open University path in technology, which is available in Finnish and Swedish. I was able to apply as a degree student after completing the programme. 

How is studying at Aalto like in practice? 

Studies at the university are divided into approximately six-week periods: two in the autumn and two in the spring, and there is also the opportunity to study in the summer. At the bachelor's level, courses usually last one or 2–3 periods. 

Implementation methods vary, but most often the courses consist of lectures, during which the teacher presents the main topics, and there is opportunity to discuss and ask questions. The course is supported by calculation exercises for tackling math problems, led by course assistants. There's also independent homework assignments. Often, a 2–3-hour exam is arranged at the end of the course. In addition, Aalto has project courses like Sähköpaja, where studying and assessment focus specifically on the implementation of a group project and its clear documentation. 

What is student life like at Aalto?

To balance out studying, Aalto offers excellent opportunities for leisure activities and hobbies. Guilds actively organize events for both their own members and the wider public. There are dozens of different clubs and organizations in Otaniemi, from car clubs to music and sports activities. 

In addition, there are many technical communities in Otaniemi, with like-minded people and access to interesting equipment. I often participate in Thinkin' Rocks, through which you can get acquainted with, for example, VR technology, robotics, and development platforms for artificial intelligence and embedded systems. 

In addition to recreational activities, there are extensive opportunities to participate in volunteer work and positions of trust. For example, you can participate in organizing events or work on committees related to academic matters together with the university staff and administration to develop student life. 

With such a wide range, it is very likely that you will find your own community at Aalto. 

What does your future look like? 

I hope my future job will offer me the opportunity to work on interesting and genuinely socially important projects. I also want to be able to develop useful robotics solutions using the expertise I have gained during my studies. 

At Aalto, I have gained up-to-date skills in this field, which I believe will be of great benefit at work. Through practical work I have also learned teamwork, and met other motivated students in the field. Above all, I have gained a huge desire for and good opportunities to develop professionally as a robotics expert. 

Who would you recommend studying automation and robotics for? 

I recommend this field to anyone who enjoys building with their hands and figuring out how complex systems work. If you like to experiment, solve practical problems, and bring logic and autonomy to systems and devices, you will probably enjoy these studies. Here, you can combine electronics and programming skills, and build great, reliable systems.