LocationsMachines and Minds: Belarusian Youth Embraces Careers in Robotics and AI
July 14, 2025
They build and program robots, create prototypes for industrial giants, and prove that in the digital era, human intelligence is the most valuable asset. Four Belarusian robotics students are already carving out their futures in a field once seen as science fiction. Why are they unlikely to be replaced by AI? And why are soft skills just as crucial as technical ones? Here are their stories of turning technological challenges into real-world opportunities.
Not so long ago, robots seemed like a far-off technology. Today, they are embedded in daily life, from smart vacuum cleaners in homes to industrial arms on factory floors. According to a UNDP study, jobs involving programming and maintaining robotic systems will rank among the most in-demand roles in engineering, agriculture, and construction over the next ten years.
These trends were on full display at the ProfSkills Belarus 2025 competition, held in Minsk from 23 to 26 May. Students and seasoned professionals competed in real-world challenges, with tasks closely mirroring industry demands. In the Mobile Robotics category, for instance, teams tackled warehouse automation — exactly the kind of system now rolling out in modern factories.
Early Starters Have the Edge
Two competing teams immediately stood out, both united by one thing: their early start in the field.
Ulyana Yaroshko and Vladimir Khinevich, both third-year students at the Minsk College of Digital Technologies, were the only college participants in their section, competing alongside university students.
Their decision to pursue vocational education was deliberate. From the onset, they’ve had hands-on experience working with CNC machines, programming industrial robots, and assembling automated systems.
“Compared to university students, we have a head start," says Vladimir. By 21, we’ll already have real practical experience, while others are still finishing theory.”
The second team came all the way from Homiel: high school graduates Denis Zheleznyakov and Vitaly Ermakov. Both raised in families of engineers, they started exploring robotics in primary school.
When Vitaly built his first robot, a shoe-cleaning device, his peers were still learning basic coding.
Now just 16, Vitaly has already earned over 50 prizes at robotics competitions. He dreams of becoming an inventor and creating devices that improve people’s lives.
Denis has an impressive track record, too. He’s spent years studying at the National Children’s Technopark, competed in Singapore, and even developed a prototype project for BelAZ, Belarus’ leading heavy vehicle manufacturer.
For Denis and Vitaly, competitions are just the beginning. Their ambitions go far beyond medals — they dream of creating technologies that will reshape entire industries. And it all starts on this contest stage, where they get to apply their skills and test their boldest ideas.
“We created an automated system to help position mining dump trucks accurately during unloading,” says Denis. “Our prototype lets us test algorithms and refine ideas without risking damage to costly equipment.”
Robots Are Already Here
“Robots were originally designed to replace repetitive tasks, but now they’re doing things people physically can’t," explains Vladimir. "In microelectronics, for example, a single speck of dust under a microscope can block 20 processor connections. A human wouldn’t even notice it. A robot works with surgical precision.”
He also points to robots' vital role in hazardous environments, citing their use during the Chernobyl disaster, where they helped remove radioactive waste and saved thousands of lives.
Denis sees autonomous robotics as the most promising direction for his future career.
“Autonomous technology isn’t futuristic, it’s reality,” he says. “Things that seemed like science fiction yesterday are normal now. I want to work on unmanned vehicles and automated warehouses.”
Both young men agree: robotics is undergoing a revolution, and those who start early have a distinct advantage.
Women in Robotics: Breaking Stereotypes
Only 20.3% of students in Belarusian engineering, production, and construction majors are women, according to the STEM4ALL platform. But automation is helping level the playing field.
Ulyana, the only woman in her group of 27, says gender is no barrier in this profession.
“Modern manufacturing is about brainwork,” she says. “Sure, more boys are into robotics. But what matters are your skills, not your gender.”
As industry shifts from heavy manual labour to system maintenance, technical careers are becoming more accessible to women.
“The first time I picked up a soldering iron, I was nervous,” Ulyana recalls with a smile. “But I got used to it. Now I’m confident with all kinds of tools. Factories used to need physical strength, now they need competence. And girls are just as good at that.”
Results and what comes next
Ulyana and Vladimir took first place nationally, and ranked third overall in the international standings, outperformed only by more experienced teams from Russia and Kazakhstan.
“Being top in Belarus is a great feeling,” says Vladimir. “We weren’t aiming to win at all costs. The goal was for the robot to work flawlessly. We prepped almost nonstop for two months to make that happen.”
Denis and Vitaly didn’t make the top three, but remain hopeful.
“Our age is an advantage,” says Denis. “We’ll have at least two or three more chances to compete. We just need more time. We’ll improve our robot and next time, we’ll get there.”
Will AI replace people?
“AI today is in its infant stage,” reflects Vladmir. “It may help with specific tasks, but they’re nowhere near replacing programmers, at least not yet.”
He echoes a growing global trend: automation isn’t replacing humans; it’s changing the way they work. The World Economic Forum reports that by 2030, people and machines will increasingly collaborate, each performing more complex, high-value tasks more efficiently.
“Human labour will always be essential. Someone still needs to program and improve robots. We just need to adapt.”Vladimir
The future belongs to the curious
The stories of Ulyana, Denis, Vitaly, and Vladimir show that the future belongs to those who combine technical skills with flexibility of mind. In a fast-moving digital world, lifelong learning and adaptability are no longer optional — they're the key to success. And these young innovators are proving that, one competition at a time.
The 6th Republican Professional Skills Competition ProfSkills Belarus 2025 was held with support from the Developing Youth Innovation Potential for Accelerated Sustainable Development in Belarus project, implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Belarus, in partnership with Belarus' Ministry of Education and the Republican Institute for Vocational Education, funded by the Russian Federation.
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