The Automation and Robotics Laboratory (LAR) at the University of Minho is once again celebrating the spirit of solidarity this season with its now traditional initiative to adapt electronic toys for children with special needs.

From 15 to 17 December, Building 8-b on the Azurém Campus will be transformed into a veritable workshop of magic! Students, teachers and former volunteers come together in an extraordinary team that dedicates its time and talent to adapting toys so that they can be used by children with motor limitations. Each toy is carefully modified to allow it to be operated in a simple and accessible way, bringing smiles to those who need them most.

This initiative is only possible thanks to the collaboration and generosity of our partners:

Guimarães City Council, which provides the toys;

botnroll.com, which supplies the necessary electronic components

the University of Minho, to which the Automation and Robotics Laboratory belongs

and Sociedade Martins Sarmento, host of one of the most exciting moments —

The delivery of the toys on 18 December at 2:30 p.m. at its premises, where children and families receive these gifts full of love and technology.

Later, still on 18 December, after 4 p.m., the magic continues with deliveries to schools in the municipality, reinforcing the link between the university and the Guimarães community.

Since 2006, this project has shown that engineering can also change lives, bringing together knowledge, volunteering, and solidarity. Each switch installed and each light that flashes again is a small step towards turning dreams into reality.

Would you like to visit the ‘toy factory’ and witness the spirit of this charitable initiative?

Stop by Building 8-b and discover how technology can make a difference!

More information: https://lar.dei.uminho.pt/adaptacaodebrinquedos/#LAR