Between 17 June and 1 July 2026, the University of Girona celebrated the graduation of the MIRS Class of 2024–2026, marking the end of two years of intensive learning, laboratory work and research in intelligent robotics.

The celebrations began with the Master's thesis defences on 17 and 18 June, where students presented research projects developed after months of experimentation, software development and testing. The topics reflected the diversity of the programme, ranging from autonomous navigation and computer vision to artificial intelligence, robot perception, manipulation and underwater robotics.

For many students, the thesis represented much more than a final project. It was an opportunity to work on real research challenges alongside the University's robotics groups and apply everything they had learned throughout the programme.

Learning robotics through research

One of the defining features of MIRS is its close connection with the University's research ecosystem.

Many students carry out their Master's thesis within research groups such as VICOROB (Computer Vision and Robotics) and CIRS (Centre for Research in Underwater Robotics), working with researchers on topics that are also part of European and international research projects.

Rather than experiencing research only at the end of their studies, MIRS students are exposed to it throughout the programme. Laboratory sessions, programming assignments and team projects take place in the same environment where new robotic technologies are being developed, allowing students to understand how research ideas become practical engineering solutions.

This experience often opens the door to doctoral studies, research positions or highly specialised careers in the robotics industry.

An international classroom at the University of Girona

Although MIRS is a two-year programme entirely based at the University of Girona, its classrooms are highly international.

During the first year, MIRS students share lectures, laboratory sessions and projects with students from the Erasmus Mundus Master's programme in Intelligent Field Robotic Systems (IFRoS), creating an international learning environment where different academic backgrounds, cultures and perspectives come together.

This combination allows MIRS students to enjoy an international experience while benefiting from two full years within the University's robotics research environment.

Connecting students with industry

The celebrations concluded on 1 July during the annual IFRoS & MIRS Day, which brought together students, researchers, alumni and industry representatives.

Selected thesis presentations by Yunying Chen and Solomon Chibuzo Nwafor showcased the quality of the work developed throughout the programmes, while the poster session encouraged discussions between students, professors and invited guests.

Representatives from Avyonx, CoE MARBLE, EURECAT and Euroknows shared their experience in robotics and autonomous systems, helping students better understand current technological challenges and future career opportunities.

The day also included a live TurtleBot demonstration by first-year students Max Puig Sariñena, Vasutorn Siriyakorn and David Adrian Villanueva Guzmán, illustrating the practical approach that characterises the programme from its very first semester.

More than a Master's degree

Beyond the technical knowledge acquired during the programme, graduation celebrated everything students had built over the last two years: friendships, teamwork and the confidence to face increasingly complex engineering challenges.

Working in small groups and maintaining close contact with professors and researchers creates a collaborative atmosphere that many graduates identify as one of the most valuable aspects of the programme.

As graduation caps filled the air, students celebrated not only the completion of a Master's degree but also the beginning of a new professional chapter.

"MIRS gave me much more than technical knowledge. It gave me the confidence to tackle complex problems, work in international teams and pursue the career I really wanted."

Looking ahead

Graduates from the MIRS Class of 2024–2026 now begin careers in robotics companies, technology organisations and research centres around the world, while others continue with doctoral studies.

They leave the University of Girona with advanced technical skills, experience working in multidisciplinary teams and first-hand exposure to one of Europe's most active robotics research environments.

The MIRS programme would not be possible without the commitment of its academic staff, researchers, industrial collaborators and institutional partners. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the Consell Social of the University of Girona, the Patronat de l'Escola Politècnica Superior, and the Diputació de Girona for their continued financial support, which contributes to enriching the educational experience and providing new opportunities for our students

Congratulations to the MIRS Class of 2024–2026.

The next generation of MIRS students will soon arrive in Girona, ready to begin their own journey in intelligent robotics.