On 27 February 2026, a presentation of current student projects and ideas for the upcoming semester was held at Peskovnik, the Open laboratory of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana. Once again, students have demonstrated that innovation, knowledge and courage can lead to tangible solutions, ranging from ultralight aircraft and composite products to socially responsible projects.
A space that grows with ideas
Addressing the audience, the dean, Prof. Dr. Jernej Klemenc, emphasised that the faculty must actively support the transfer of knowledge into practice. Peskovnik is an environment where students test theory in real prototypes, products and systems. Vice-Dean Prof. Dr. Franci Pušavec also highlighted the expansion of Peskovnik – both in terms of space and new equipment. Among the more significant acquisitions are a 3D SLM metal printer and a 4-axis wire erosion machine, which enable students to take on even more demanding development challenges and achieve a higher technological level in their projects.
Guest speaker Dr. Tomaž Bregar (Hisense Gorenje) emphasised that students develop some extremely interesting ideas, and that it is valuable to see these through from initial concept to implementation. Ivanka Stritar, head of extracurricular activities at the University of Ljubljana, pointed out that such projects are a source of pride for the university.
Completed projects: engineering creativity in practice
The event showcased projects that had been completed during the winter semester, demonstrating a wide range of knowledge, from mechanics and materials to electronics and programming.
Among them are:
- an experimental autonomous flying wing with a mass of under 250 g and a target flight time of one hour,
- dry electrolytic cell with separate hydrogen and oxygen outlets,
- development of composite climbing holds,
- making an acoustic ukulele,
- oven for curing composites with integrated electrical and control system,
- multi-axis winder for automatic watches.
During the winter semester, 40 student workshops were held to transfer knowledge from student to student: from the basics of programming and 3D printing to working with composites and CNC technologies. With 280 members, the community confirms that Peskovnik is becoming one of the Faculty’s key hubs of creativity.
New ideas: boldly taking the next step
The presentation also offered insight into projects that are just getting started:
- headless guitar,
- testing DTI electric motor station,
- production of carbon reinforcement for cars,
- gantry core – xy 3d printer (movement along the xy axis),
- LesKam (wood and stone climbing holds),
- vacuum casting system,
- production of a prototype liquid-fuelled rocket engine.
Particular attention was drawn to the interdisciplinary project, ‘friendly cages’, which aims to solve the problem of feral cats. Students from different faculties will be tasked with finding engineering solutions that combine technical expertise with a sense of social responsibility.
Peskovnik thus remains a place where curiosity, knowledge, and courage meet. A space where ideas take shape and theory finds its practical value.
Photo: IFP, d.o.o.
