Robintech Internship: VOCO visits Mondriaan
As part of the Erasmus+ project Robintech – Towards networking and collaborative teaching materials in the field of industrial robotics – two mechatronics teachers from Tartu Vocational College (VOCO) in Estonia visited the Netherlands from September 8 to 12, 2025. The aim of this “teacher internship” was to gain insights into how robotics is implemented in vocational education, with a focus on bridging the gap between educational practice and real-world industrial applications.
From Education to Industry – and Back Again
Although hands-on experience in the field wasn’t always feasible due to practical constraints, the visiting teachers – Rasmus Saar and Jevgeni Kuznetsov – were immersed in a wide-ranging program that included both advanced fieldlabs (such as SAMXL and Robohouse) and real-world applications at companies like Airborne, Festo, and Promolding. ROC Mondriaan’s own facilities – including the new location in Delft and the TechCampus Lab in The Hague – also played a central role in showcasing how robotics is integrated into Dutch vocational education.
ROC Mondriaan, School for Smart Technology Delft
A major takeaway for the guests was seeing how students in Mondriaan’s Technicus Engineering programme begin with foundational robotics skills and progressively move towards project-based learning and real-world applications.
Highlights from the Week
At SAMXL, a fieldlab focused on aerospace challenges, the group saw cobots and gantry robots in action – working with carbon fibre materials, laser welding applications, and AI-driven material optimisation.
At Robohouse, the emphasis was on socially responsible robotics. Projects included turbine blade sanding (where human experience still plays a crucial role), a wall-joint filler robot, and vision-equipped grippers for delicate object handling.
At Festo, the guests explored cutting-edge didactic tools and student-built systems such as a pneumatic rally car simulator.
And at Promolding, the visit focused on the role of robotics in precision plastic injection moulding, especially in the medical field.
At Airborne, they were shown how industrial robots are embedded into the design of the production line itself, rather than added afterward – a valuable insight into scalable robotics integration.
A particularly inspiring moment came at Airborne, where the visiting teachers were joined by a former Mondriaan student who is now working there while pursuing a dual programme at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. He shared his graduation project and provided a tour – a tangible example of how education and industry are linked in practice.
TechCampus: Realistic Context, Realistic Learning
The guests expressed particular appreciation for ROC Mondriaan’s TechCampus Lab in The Hague. Located on a former industrial estate, the facility’s environment mirrors real workplaces, making it easier for students to transition from school to employment.
“It’s clear that your students aren’t just learning about robotics – they’re learning to work with them in a context that feels real.”
– Rasmus Saar, VOCO
Shared Lessons and Future Collaboration
Throughout the week, several key themes emerged:
- Robots often require custom-built grippers and toolheads to meet specific tasks – they are not plug-and-play.
- 3D printing is increasingly used in professional environments to create prototypes and even fully functional robot attachments.
- Vision systems and AI tools are becoming essential companions to traditional robotics.
- Robotics education is not just about technology – it’s about teaching students how to creatively solve real problems with it.
The visit also sparked further discussions about future collaboration, including possibilities for student internships abroad, joint projects, and knowledge-sharing within the broader Robintech partnership network.
About the Programme
The visit was coordinated by Mariëlle Stolp, programme manager at ROC Mondriaan, and carefully tailored to align with the theme of robotics. All visited organisations are part of Mondriaan’s partner network, ensuring relevance and depth. More activities will follow in the coming months as the Robintech project continues to evolve.
