Since May, smart laboratories will be open – Smartlabs in 50 public libraries throughout Slovakia. It will be a library space that connects a creative workshop with experiential education. The public will be able to try there 3D printing, learn to program a robot, work with wood or educate in artificial intelligence. TASR informed Štefánia Bartošová from the Center of Scientific and Technical Information (CVTI) SR.
In accordance with the National Strategy of Research, Development and Innovation 2030 is Smartlab’s aim to increase interest in Steam area (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) in children and youth through playful libraries. “However, we want to cross this goal and provide the opportunity to anyone, regardless of age, to discover our creativity, materialize our ideas or acquire new digital or manual skills,” said Jozef Dzivák, director of the CVTI scientific library.
As Bartošová approached, Pupils can try playful robots and microcomputers in the librarythat arouse Interest in programming, robotics or artificial intelligence. According to her, the smallest ones will become familiar with the programming of Drawing colored tracks, older children try block programming and advanced can try programming in the language Python and participate in robotic competitions.
“In order to support the creativity, prototyping and creation of your own projects, there are various production technologies such as 3D printing, sublimation printer, thermolis, cutting plotter and pyrographic stations. There is a space for everyone – from beginning designers and artists to technology enthusiasts, ”added David Baranko, project manager and coordinator of the library consortium for Slovakia.
Bartošová pointed out that The first Smartlabs have already opened in Trebišov and Zvolen, while others are gradually connected. In May 2025, all 50 libraries will be preparedto start realizing the first events and providing services to users. Building smart laboratories is implemented as a measure to support the development of intelligent laboratories in libraries. The measure is part of the Action Plan of the National Strategy of Research, Development and Innovation 2030 by the Research and Innovation Authority of the Office of the Government of the Slovak Republic.
