Transformers figures, 3D printing and artificial intelligence – this is the story of our graduate, Mateusz Torski, whose passion turned into the inspiration for his master’s thesis and the creation of his own robot. Mateusz is the next protagonist in the #JestemzWIT #JestemzPWr series.

It all started with a Transformer figure – Cybertron Optimus Prime – which Mateusz received as a Christmas gift 17 years ago. Today, his room is filled with figures. The only free space is the bed, as even the ceiling has been “taken over” by models suspended on strings.

– 2026 is a special year for me, as it marks 10 years of consciously collecting figures. When I compare photos from 2016 with my current collection, I feel both proud and nostalgic – what started as a few random figures has grown into a full Transformers collection, spanning from the 1980s to today – says our graduate.

For a Technical Computer Science graduate, collecting alone quickly proved insufficient. Mateusz moved on to customisation – modifying figures. In the case of Transformers, this usually involves repainting parts or entire figures, either to create new characters or improve existing ones visually and technically. Initially, he worked manually, but later transitioned to 3D printing.

– I started by manually cutting elements from polystyrene and painting accessories and figures – classic modelling. Since I began using 3D printing, I rarely modify figures by hand. I no longer need to sculpt new heads, weapons or small details. I design my kits to be easy to assemble and reversible – he explains.

One of his first 3D-printed projects was the Tape Recorder Kit – a set of parts for the Soundwave figure, enabling it to transform into a cassette player, just like the original toy from the 1980s.

This project also led to Mateusz’s own creations: RadioRex and Stereosaurus – robotic dinosaurs transforming into cassette tapes. The set received recognition in the AGRAFA 2022 – BEYOND design competition and won first place in the 3D EduArt competition for best 3D printing project.

Mateusz successfully combined his passion with his studies. He completed both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Technical Computer Science and was also active as a constructor in the PWR Racing Team. His master’s thesis was closely linked to his hobby – he developed an AI-supported generator for creating accessories for figures.

Since 1984, Transformers figures have used a standard 5 mm peg system, allowing weapons and accessories to be interchangeable between models. However, small elements are easy to lose.

– My solution allows users to design new weapons using a catalogue of predefined parts. You can freely mix barrels, stocks, optical elements or magazines – explains Mateusz Torski.

He trained his own AI model to generate new weapon shapes and accessories compatible with modern figures. The next step is to develop the tool into a social platform – similar to Cults3D or Thingiverse – where collectors worldwide could share their designs.

He even bound his master’s thesis in “Decepticon Purple” – a fan term for the iconic shade of purple associated with the Transformers universe. And he’s not stopping there. Mateusz is already working on a new project: his own transforming robot inspired by the Japanese super robot genre.

The design consists of four vehicles: a hovercraft, a helicopter, a train and a drill. The final robot is planned to be around 25 cm tall. The biggest challenge has been designing the transformation process – maintaining correct proportions while ensuring a full range of motion typical for action figures.

The project is currently in the stage of refining mechanisms, with prototyping as the next step.

Mateusz’s ultimate goal, however, is to manufacture his figure using injection moulding technology – the same method used in official toy production.

– My original robot will be a love letter to the entire robotic pop culture that has been with me since childhood – he concludes.