Ondřej Dvořáček

As a Mechanical and Testing Engineer in the R&D Department, I: - Focus on validation of the robotic solution developed at Baubot for the construction industry. - Design and perform tests to support innovation across mechanics, electrics and software solutions at Baubot. - Take care that robots produced at Baubot are safe in real applications. - Develop prototypes in the field of construction robotics, especially focused on drilling applications. Made drilling tools much cheaper, more efficient, longer-lasting, and more versatile. - Bring my prototypes to be tested at the construction site across Europe.

In my organization, I: - Participate in Industrial Advanced Robotics Initiatives: Push industrial advancements in the wood industry and forestry through the application and development of advanced robotics, focusing on collaborative robots (Cobots) and their integration into wood manufacturing processes. - Collaborate on Project Leadership: Collaborate closely with the department leader, providing valuable assistance and expertise to ensure the successful execution of projects within the Advanced Manufacturing laboratory. - Engineer Automated Hyperspectral Measurement Station: Designed and constructed a cutting-edge automated station for hyperspectral measurements of wood, showcasing a commitment to implementing state-of-the-art technologies in the field. - Develop Prototypes and Lab Devices: Innovate and develop prototypes and lab devices, consistently pushing the boundaries of technology in the wood industry with a forward-looking approach that considers the potential standardization of these technologies a decade or more into the future.

As Senior Researcher, I: - was responsible for getting and leading the scientific project, coordinating activities between project partners and helping other researchers with their projects. - led high-speed and dynamic measurement of forces during precision cutting of bio-based materials, spearheading the development of innovative methodologies for rigorous data evaluation. - received funding from the EU and Lower Austria Regional Government for the over-border project ROTCUT. - presented the findings at international conferences and in scientific journals. - constantly strengthened my knowledge and network in the field of wood cutting and measurement. - became a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

As Junior Researcher, I: - was the investigator of the international project HARDIS, responsible for developing the stand for high-speed linear cutting experiments, measurement chain setting and data analysis. The outcome was a deep knowledge of breakage mechanisms taking place during wood cutting. - managed to finish my PhD during full-time employment. - enjoyed, beyond the research, binding the collective at the institute by organizing a climbing group and other social activities. - as the only mechanical engineer in the department, I was often approached to help on other projects where the prototype, test setup or unique machine was needed. Through this, I worked on other international projects as a machine designer and consultant. - presented my outcomes at international conferences and in scientific journals. - helped to organize a workshop about high dynamic forces measurements. - became a member of the Society of Wood Science and Technology.

As Research Staff in Strategic Cooperation, I: - advised a master's student with his thesis in the field of wood force measurement and wood technology. - helped university staff with measurements, data analysis and project development.

Beyond regular studies, I was associated with 3D-printed children's prosthetic feet development and research. I was responsible for developing the hardware and software of the machine for long-term fatigue testing and experiment realization. Additionally, I worked on finding the best oil mixture that can serve as the best carrier fluid for the magnetorheological fluid for damping systems by evaluating rheological and viscoelastic behaviour.

I held the course about 2D and 3D CAD software, creation and reading of technical documentation at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. During my lectures, I focused on computer modelling strategies and skills, not just basic software usage. I received 4,7/5 points feedback from my students in an anonymous university survey.

As a junior engineer, I supported the Machine Design Department and the Development Department. I mastered 3D modelling and improved my engineering problem-solving skills. I learned how to design a machine in regard to its production and usage.

During my studies I: - learned about practices in manufacturing technology, renewable materials, wood cutting, and data analysis. - developed and optimized a unique worldwide test rig for high-speed linear cutting tests. - performed extensive cutting mechanics analysis supported by dynamic force measurement and high-speed cameras. - established a multiparametric cutting force prediction model for oak and made it available online. - published papers and conference contributions to make my work available to other scientists and companies. - co-operated with multiple universities, research institutions and industry partners.

During my studies at BOKU I: - learned wood anatomy from tree to a microscopic level, wood physics and quality aspects of wood and fibres. - explored many engineering wood products and focused on their fabrication, utilization, mechanical behaviour and, of course, recycling possibilities. - was surprised, as a mechanical engineer, by how complex wood utilization is. Wood, as statistically hard to predict, highly anisotropic and exceptionally moisture-dependent material, is a bigger challenge for every engineer and researcher than I expected.

During my master’s studies I: - learned how to approach engineering and scientific problems creatively. - studied how to prototype machines, create a mechanical design, electrical system and control program, and last but not least, how to build machines and bring them alive. - mastered measurement techniques, sensorics, and experiment instrumentation. Learned to set measurement and diagnostic systems and perform data acquisition and analysis. - learned to use the Finite Element Method and project management. I participated in team projects: - Design, manufacture and testing of tribometer module for friction measurement between cartilages for University Hospital Olomouc and Biotribology Research Group - Development of a novel method for car adhesive damper testing - Construction of test station and measuring process proposal for rear differential for Škoda Auto - Design of bearing simulator with transparent sapphire rings for the study of lubrication film migration

During my bachelor’s studies I: - learned the fundamental engineering skills and methods in the field of mathematics, physics, material science, solid mechanics, manufacturing technology, electrical engineering and machine design. - wrote the thesis in cooperation with the industry and developed a solution that is running in multiple applications worldwide. - gained the highest electrical qualification (CZ decree No. 50/1987 Coll. – §4) achievable without electrical studies. - gained the welding licence for technology 111.1 (coated electrode) according to Czech National Standard 05 0705.