S‑Szakkör – A Virtual Journey into the World of Technology is a free children's adventure novel written by Erzsébet Fodor‑Nemes with contributions from employees of Siemens Zrt. The story follows Bence, who initially finds neither school nor his engineer father's job particularly interesting. An unexpected virtual adventure changes his perspective, placing him in situations where engineers, software and innovative technological solutions address real‑world challenges — from ensuring clean water to promoting more sustainable industrial practices.
Plot and key lessons
Bence and his friends form the S‑Szakkör club, which launches a series of hands‑on and playful adventures. They operate robots, explore artificial intelligence and digital twins, discover production lines, and seek solutions to sustainability issues. Their journey spans diverse locations, from Central America to the Arctic.
The book emphasizes that engineering is not only about numbers or screens: behind technology are people whose creativity, cooperation and problem‑solving improve everyday life. Through the story, Bence learns that technology is approachable and that he could find his own place in shaping the future.
Notable episodes and practical examples
The narrative uses concrete, child‑friendly episodes to explain technological concepts. Examples from the book include:
- robotized strawberry harvesting, where children take control of strawberry‑picking robots through a virtual system;
- a twenty‑first century Santa's workshop, featuring automated warehouses, software and artificial intelligence to handle complex holiday logistics;
- introductions to digital twins, automation and production‑line operation;
- recurring sustainability themes such as water purification, energy use and carbon footprint.
Short “Did you know?” facts and playful questions accompany the story to make ideas like software, virtual reality, robotics and automation easy to grasp for young readers.
Author and publication
Erzsébet Fodor‑Nemes has written poetry and prose throughout her life. Her first project intended for publication began in 2019, and the resulting Boszorkalandok universe has grown into a planned series of more than ten volumes, two of which have so far been printed. S‑Szakkör is the author's fourth published work.
The book is available for free download, and physical copies can be requested at no charge. The publication was supported by the HM könyvek team.
The book's message to children
The central aim of the book is not to prescribe careers but to encourage curiosity, questioning and experimentation. As Arató Márk, communications director at Siemens Zrt., said: “S‑Szakkör does not aim to tell children to become engineers. It encourages them to ask questions, be curious, dare to experiment, think together and look for ways to make the world around them better.”
The book closes on a related note: “The inventors of the future are still children today.”
