The Chișinău1 team, made up of students from the Technical University of Moldova, proudly represented the Republic of Moldova at the “Hard & Soft” International Student Computer Contest, organized by “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava (USV). Their outstanding performance secured them first place in a tough competition featuring 16 teams from top universities in Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, China, and the UK.
Now at its 29th edition, the contest centered on creating a “Smart House,” a complex project requiring the application of the latest technologies in energy management and automation. Participants were tasked with building a house model, integrating lighting control solutions, using micromotors for blinds, and combining natural and artificial light sources to ensure consistent illumination.
The teams used various devices and modules to construct the building and implemented green energy sources, energy harvesting controllers, and WiFi communication interfaces for vehicle recognition in the garage. Each project aspect was rigorously evaluated by an international jury led by engineer Nicolae Bogdan Foica from Cognizant Mobility GMBH Munich.
Chișinău1 Team: The Winners
The Chișinău1 team, consisting of students from the Robotics and Mechatronics program at FCIM—Vlad Guțu, Andrei Clima, Vladislav Corcodel, and Nicu Drumea—guided by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Victor Ababii and Lecturer Dr. Viorel Cărbune from the Department of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, excelled across all competition criteria, earning the highest score. Their hard work, innovation, and technical knowledge were crucial to securing the first-place position.
The Rector of the Technical University of Moldova, Prof. Dr. Viorel Bostan, extended sincere congratulations to the Chișinău1 team for their extraordinary performance at the “Hard & Soft” International Student Contest: “We are proud of our students’ achievements, showcasing exceptional technical expertise, innovation, and effective teamwork. This success highlights UTM’s educational excellence and inspires us to continue investing in preparing the future generations of engineers. Congratulations to the Chișinău1 team for their dedication and remarkable results, which have brought us great honor and international recognition,” stated Viorel Bostan.
Following closely behind, second place was shared by teams from the Politehnica University of Bucharest, the Technical University of Cluj, and Hebei University of Science and Technology from China. Special awards were granted to teams Iași1, Cluj, Chișinău1, and Bucharest2, and all participants received diplomas of participation.
The Chișinău 2 team, consisting of students Stanislav Ciolpan and Ilie Zloi from the Computer and Network program, Corneliu Cebotarenco from Robotics and Mechatronics, and Vlad Rusu from Information Technology, also delivered a strong performance, securing an honorable fourth place finish.
Jury President Nicolae Bogdan Foica emphasized the challenge of evaluating this year’s competition, noting that the 16 teams delivered unexpectedly high results, with four teams having very close scores. The competition’s importance lies not only in winning awards but also in the invaluable experience gained by students, surpassing ordinary standards.
According to Prof. Dr. Eng. Adrian Graur, the organizer of the competition, the event plays a substantial role in fostering students’ development in engineering and technology. Over the years, the “Hard & Soft” contest has brought together more than 1,256 students, many of whom have become university professors or renowned specialists.
The upcoming anniversary edition promises even more challenges and innovations, further solidifying the competition’s reputation as a benchmark in preparing the engineers of tomorrow.
UTM has been a participant in this prestigious contest since 1995, achieving first place in 2008, 2022, and again this year. The success of the Chișinău1 team speaks volumes about the Technical University of Moldova’s academic excellence and educational capabilities. This victory underscores the significance of investing in technical and scientific education, equipping students for the ventures and opportunities that lie ahead in engineering and technology.
Congratulations to the Chișinău1 team and their mentors for their dedication and professionalism. Their accomplishments not only elevated their university’s reputation but also served as inspiration for future generations of students, encouraging them to pursue excellence and innovation in their respective fields of study.
With a bright future ahead, the Chișinău1 team stands as an example of success and determination, ready to tackle new technological challenges and contribute to the advancement of science and engineering.
