Kaur Kullamäe: I want to create robots that can help people

My name is Kaur Kullamäe and I am currently a first year Master's student in Robotics and Computer Engineering, having graduated from the Bachelor's curriculum of Computer Engineering.

I came to the University of Tartu to study Computer Engineering because I have always been interested in computers and technology. Ever since I was little, I have liked dismantling different appliances to see how they are built and what is inside them. I felt that merely writing computer software would not satisfy me and I wanted to understand how the hardware part of technology works; how things are built and put together, and then how software and hardware become one whole. That is why studying computer engineering in the Institute of Technology was perfect for me – you can work with electronics, mechanics, and you can learn programming, to then combine the fields with each other.

In addition to my studies, I am also a part of the SemuBot team. I have participated in the project since the very beginning, and together with other members we are building Estonia's first humanoid robot. My Bachelor's Degree thesis was also written about SemuBot – I was creating an electronical solution for the robot's arm.

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Studying Computer Engineering has given me a very strong base, allowing me to be a part of projects such as SemuBot. I learned how circuitry works, how to design and solder printed circuits, and how to employ 3D printing and modelling, among many other things. These skills are very important and are the very ones that have helped me, along with a curriculum that is very practical and Professors who are very helpful. This curriculum is not just plain theory, but has a lot of practical seminars, which help students to actually make their ideas into a reality.

Thanks to the SemuBot project, I have had opportunities to participate in different conventions and events, where we have introduced our robot. It is very inspiring and fulfilling to see people come to see our robot, ask about how it works, and to then see the spark in their eyes when the humanoid robot responds to them.

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In the future, I am definitely planning on making a career out of robotics and engineering. I am interested in creating robots that can help people, the elderly for example, and work in extreme environments. I also wish to use what I have learned to inspire more young people to get into technology based fields. Graduating from the Bachelor's curriculum and carrying on my studies in the Master's program is something I am very happy I decided to do and I could not be more content with this path.

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If you are interested in learning how technology actually works and you wish to build, experiment, learn, and create, then studying Computer Engineering could be a great place to start. Here we have all kinds of opportunities – you just need to be curious and have initiative!