RCMT
Successful Students and Alumni
Filip Bartoš
Filip Bartoš, M.Eng., graduated from the Machine Tools and Production Equipment program in 2022. His master’s thesis, Efficient Control of a CNC Milling Machine for Machining Geometrically Complex Parts was supervised by Ing. Petr Vavruška, Ph.D. In 2024, his thesis placed seventh among the TOP 10 master’s theses in the 2023 Werner von Siemens Awards (out of 224 submissions).
During his studies at the Department of Production Machines and Equipment, he worked as a student research assistant on efficient machining of geometrically complex parts—especially on optimizing milling operations that were directly implemented into machine-specific post-processors.
Filip currently works as a C# developer of machine HMIs and PLC control at Krones AG, a manufacturer of machines and automated lines for the beverage and food industries. As part of the R&D Software team, he develops new machines and user functions and maintains internal software to streamline commissioning.
How do you evaluate your first year after graduation?
I think many people are still finding their professional path in the first year—my case was no different. I knew I wanted to stay in the field of production machines, but the field is so broad that choosing a concrete focus wasn’t easy. The first year brought many valuable experiences and chances to apply the knowledge I gained at the department.
How did studying with us help you develop your career?
It gave me a very pragmatic view of the many engineering products around us—especially the ability to identify and compare pros and cons of a given machine/product against other designs and explain why. Also, to see what could be improved or, conversely, what can be deprioritized. These skills are applicable in virtually any field one pursues.
What mattered most to you during your studies at our department?
I appreciated the teaching style—so many things could be tried hands-on in our labs and classrooms. I also remember the friendly, professional attitude of the instructors and their passion for the field. You could tell they were researchers first, and learning from people who truly know what they’re talking about was enriching.
Why should students choose to study at the Department of Production Machines and Equipment?
In my view, the department approaches teaching from a very different perspective than typical bachelor’s studies. If you want to see where prior theoretical knowledge applies and translate it into practical experience in machine design, programming, control, and diagnostics—and in automation of production machines—this is the right path.
What are your visions for the future?
I hope my profession continues to bring challenges, new experiences, and the immense joy of seeing my ideas and products make work easier for thousands of people worldwide. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll build my own machine.
Martina Cimpová
Martina Cimpová, M.Eng., graduated in 2022 in Machine Tools and Production Equipment. Her thesis, Simulation Models for Computational Support in Spindle Head Design was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Petr Kolář, Ph.D.
As a student research assistant, she focused on spindle bearings—building Matlab simulation models for bearing design calculations. She later expanded the models to size complete spindles (especially load-induced deformations), which became the basis for her master’s thesis.
She currently works at SIDAT, a company specializing in complex automation and manufacturing IT. In a team primarily serving the brewing industry, she focuses on PLC programming and database systems.
Vision for the Future
„My vision is to keep growing professionally and to take on new challenges.“
How Studying at the Department Contributed to Career Development
„The program gave me a comprehensive overview of my field—from PLC control, automation, drives, and control theory to foundational knowledge of hydraulics, manufacturing system simulations, and diagnostic methods.“
What was important during your studies with us?
„The personal approach of the instructors and the practical applicability of what we learned were crucial for me.“
Why should students choose our department?
„Because of the opportunity to join real projects. Already during our studies, over half of my classmates worked as student assistants on projects. That significantly improves prospects of finding interesting jobs across a broad range of engineering fields.“
Jan Šmaus
Jan Šmaus, M.Eng., graduated in 2022 in Machine Tools and Production Equipment. His thesis, Machine Tool Workstation for Robot-Assisted Machining was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Petr Kolář, Ph.D. In 2023, he received the Josef Hlávka Award granted to top university students and graduates.
As a student research assistant under Ing. Jiří Švéda, Ph.D., he focused on robotic applications. A key outcome was the design and implementation of an automatic screw-driving head for industrial and collaborative robots, later used to study control strategies for robotic assembly of threaded joints. His master’s thesis built on this by addressing cooperation between a robot and a machine tool.
Jan currently works as a Laser Shock Peening (LSP) technology specialist at the HiLASE research center. LSP extends component life by introducing compressive residual stresses into critical locations. He operates the technology—primarily programming the industrial robot and optimizing laser parameters for consistent results.
Vision for the Future
„I want to deepen my expertise in laser technologies and become an international LSP specialist.“
How do you evaluate your first year after graduation?
„In the first year I learned something new almost every day. The laser world was new to me—and the movie-inspired image of lasers vanished quickly. Thanks to my studies at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, I could immediately transfer new knowledge into practice and become a productive team member.“
What mattered most during your studies here?
„The personal approach of instructors was key. With smaller groups, it was always possible to consult project or thesis issues with any teacher. I also valued joining research projects as a student assistant from the first year of the master’s program. And having the option to choose a thesis topic with industrial relevance or links to RCMT research was important.“
Why should students choose the Department of Production Machines and Equipment?
„There are several reasons. First, the strong link between theory and hands-on teaching, and the chance to engage in RCMT research projects. This leads to the main benefit: very broad career opportunities. Graduates have open doors to companies focused on design, simulation, programming, or drives.”