The festival clearly shows how DIY has changed under the influence of modern technology. Although there were a number of wooden toys, paper models, workshops with candles or knitting at the fairgrounds, modern technologies dominated here.
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Great attention was paid, for example, to 3D printing. People were able to see for themselves how the design and subsequent implementation of individual projects takes place and that they can print out a wide range of practical aids even in the comfort of their home – while getting acquainted with the different types of material that individual printers work with.
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A large part of the festival was dedicated to 3D printing.
Robotic dog from Boston Dynamics.
Robots teach children to program
There were also robots of all kinds, from the little ones that teach children the basics of programming, to sophisticated models such as the robotic dog from Boston Dynamics. It’s the same model that guards the SpaceX spaceport. But few people buy it home, because it costs almost two million crowns.
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Especially smaller visitors could test their skills on various trades. The main focus was on ideas on how to use long-needed items. Children could turn old audio cassettes into wallets or tennis rackets into unseen mirrors.
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Children could turn audio cassettes into wallets.
There were a number of different workshops at the event.
Models with virtual reality
Anyone could also try out cars or drones with remote controls, which are controlled with the help of virtual reality glasses. The image is transmitted to the headset directly from the remote models via the camera.
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There was no shortage of electronic art, such as luminous earrings, which can be changed color using a remote control, or a steampunk watch, which will present you with time similar to a broadcaster at a train station.
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“I made a flower that you just have to touch and it will bloom. Everything is done by hand, with the help of a 3D printer, “said Jiří Praus, the inventor of the mechanical tulip. “I would like this project to inspire people not to be afraid and to try all the possibilities of new technologies,” he added.
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Some models combined a remote control with virtual reality goggles.
There were also drones.
Exhibitors from abroad
At this year’s Maker Fair, there are exhibitors not only from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, but also from various other parts of Europe. “In addition, a number of schools, hobby groups and open workshops will be introduced,” said the festival’s media representative Leona Daňková.
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“For example, Laborky ze Slaného prepared an attractive program. Visitors to the fair will be able to try shooting from the largest air cannon in the world, and do-it-yourselfers from Laborek have prepared another unique challenge – walking on a low-friction surface. On it, daredevils will test how important friction is for our movement. And how hard it is to walk when the legs have nothing to lean on, “said Daňková.
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In addition to Saturday, Maker Faire will take place at the Prague Exhibition Grounds in Holešovice on Sundays, from 10:00 to 17:00. The one-day entrance fee is CZK 250, however, the family can choose a discounted entrance fee of CZK 450.
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The Maker Faire Festival takes place not only in Prague, but also in other parts of the country. It will move from the capital to the Central Bohemian Region this month, and will take place in Pluhárna in Mladá Boleslav on the weekend of September 25 and 26.
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An example from the past two years of the Maker Faire Prague festival
Video: archive of organizers
