PBLday 2026 Presents the Best Engineering Student Projects

PBLday 2026 Presents the Best Engineering Student Projects

The winning projects have been a sensory tool for emotional regulation in early childhood, an accident detector for via ferrata and climbing, an automated sorter of parts by size using Arduino, and a sustainable and easily transportable mountain scooter

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The Polytechnic School of Mondragon University has organised the 11th PBL Day with the participation of 136 students from 1st, 2nd and 3rd year of engineering. At the Eko Campus of Galarreta (Orona Ideo), the projects and models that have been developed during the first semester of the course following the PBL (Project Based Learning) methodology have been exhibited. This year there have been a total of 1641 students who have participated in the entire process with more than 360 projects. Finally, 27 projects have been chosen for this PBL Day.

The teams of the ten engineering degrees taught by Mondragon Unibetsitatea have competed in this new edition of PBL Day to win the winning prize of €1000, awarded by Orona Fundazioa, although they have also competed for the second prize of €500, the third of €300, or the fourth, of €200. 

To choose the best projects, an evaluation has been carried out in two phases. First, the engineering faculty of Mondragon University has evaluated the 27 projects presented and has chosen the 4 best. Afterwards, a company jury made up of representatives of Orona, Ikerlan and Jema Energy have evaluated the 4 finalists to decide the order of the winners. The awards ceremony took place at 1:30 p.m.

WINNERS

This project features EGGZEN, an innovative sensory tool designed to support emotional regulation and transition in the classroom for children ages 3-4. In an educational context marked by digital overstimulation, EGGZEN provides a tangible and non-directive alternative based on fluid dynamics and Montessori principles. Through the interaction of liquids with different viscosities and controlled buoyancy, the device creates a predictable and calming visual rhythm. Developed with a sustainable approach, it uses bio-based and locally manufactured materials, promoting children's autonomy and well-being through sensory exploration.

 

Design and execution of a device for the detection and emergency call of serious accidents on via ferrata or climbing. The device must measure the energy of the falls, identify what type of fall has occurred and if serious damage has been received, in order to, if so, activate the emergency warning, indicate the location, the type of accident (wall, ground, free fall...) and the state of consciousness of the person (moving, doesn't move).

 

Design and development of a prototype (mock-up) of an automated system for the classification of parts according to their height.

 

This project details the development of a foldable and sustainable mountain board, designed for amateur and intermediate users, focused on portability and environmental responsibility. The board features a hybrid sandwich deck made from flax fiber and cork, along with innovative spring suspension axles made from heat-treated aluminum. By integrating advanced manufacturing simulations and a life cycle assessment (LCA), the project successfully validates a high-performance design that significantly reduces environmental impact compared to conventional business models.