Every great technological leap starts with a community of curious minds. In September 2026, the Montilivi Campus at the University of Girona was buzzing with exactly that energy as we officially welcomed the 6th generation of master’s students for the IFRoS (Intelligent Field Robotic Systems) and MIRS (Master in Intelligent Robotic Systems) programmes for the 2026–2028 cycle.
With a cohort representing diverse backgrounds from across the globe, this Induction Day wasn’t just about reviewing the syllabus, it was about sparking inspiration, setting the stage for real-world problem-solving, and forming lifelong connections.
Setting the Vision: Academic Kickoff
The day began in the classroom, where the academic coordinators,Narcís Palomeras Rovira (IFRoS) and Nuno Ricardo Estrela Gracias (MIRS), set a dynamic tone. Rather than just outlining academic requirements, they engaged the students with the broader vision of what they will achieve over the next two years. From designing intelligent systems to tackling practical challenges in autonomous field robotics, the students were given a clear roadmap of the exciting and rigorous journey ahead.
Hands-On From Day One
One of the defining features of our master’s programmes is the immediate immersion into practical, hands-on learning. Following the morning sessions, students were taken straight to the robotics labs to get up close and personal with the technology they will be mastering.
Dr. Palomeras led interactive lab demonstrations, showcasing the advanced equipment that forms the backbone of their upcoming projects. Students gathered around the workstations to observe a range of hardware in action, from 6-DOF Stäubli industrial robots and collaborative arms to mobile manipulators like the TurtleBot 4. The enthusiasm in the room was palpable as the cohort discussed the mechanics and potential real-world applications of each system.
Beyond the physical hardware, the tours also ventured into our dedicated computer vision facilities. Here, Prof. Nuno Gracias took the lead, walking the students through real-world examples of the cutting-edge perception projects currently underway at the university. He explained how these systems allow robots to "see" and interpret their environments, giving the newcomers an exciting glimpse into the advanced algorithms and software solutions they will soon be developing themselves.
The Team Making it Happen
A successful start to such a complex, international programme doesn't happen by accident. We want to extend a massive thank you to our program coordinator, Imma Güell Costa. Her dedication, logistical magic, and warm welcome were the driving forces behind the scenes, ensuring that every student felt supported and at home from the moment they arrived on campus.
Building a Global Community
Between the academic briefings and lab tours, the real magic of Induction Day happened during the breaks and shared meals. Students swapped stories, shared their diverse engineering backgrounds, and took their first steps in building an international network that will last far beyond graduation.
The 2026–2028 cohort is officially here, and they are ready to create robots for a better future. Welcome to Girona, let’s get to work!