Curiosity Mars Rover on display at Process Expo 2013

July 2013 News

The Cape Town Science Centre displayed its latest Mars Rover replica on the SAIMC stand at the recent Process Expo held during May. Designed by 22-year-old UCT electro-mechanical graduate, Charlotte Slingsby, the ‘Curiosity’ replica is a six wheeled remote controlled vehicle featuring an integrated CCTV ‘Mastercam; system. This novel design enabled Expo visitors to guide Curiosity around the hall at Nasrec, while observing the robot’s view of proceedings on a nearby TV monitor.

“Through studying electro-mechanical engineering I have put together a ‘toolbox’ of skills and knowledge that enables me to calculate and analyse the various mechanical components, electrical systems and programming needed to create a working robot,” explains Charlotte. “Replicating Curiosity gave me a chance to display my creative and artistic abilities. I am passionate about art and have a deep appreciation for aesthetics, when design and engineering come together a powerful combination is created that can not only be functional, but also appealing to the eye.”

To assist Charlotte to achieve her goal, SA Instrumentation and Control, together with the SAIMC, sponsored Charlotte’s development costs over and above those covered by the university budget. Needless to say we were immensely proud to see the end result decked out in our respective liveries and attracting all the attention from Expo goers.

For more information contact John Crossland, Cape Town Science Centre, +27 (0)73 040 1533, [email protected], CTSC.org.za

Further reading:

Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.

Read more...

---

Helm wins for AI and automation at Business Excellence Awards
News
Helm, the South African leader in AI-powered customer experience solutions, has been recognised at the Business Excellence Awards 2025, receiving two prestigious awards.

Read more...

---

Schneider Electric launches first Innovation Hub in Africa
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first Innovation Hub in Africa. This provides an interactive environment where visitors can explore the company’s integrated solutions across key segments and businesses such as energy, buildings, data centres, industrial, and power and grid.

Read more...

---

4Sight OT Automation receives Schneider Sustainability Impact Award
Schneider Electric South Africa News
4Sight OT Automation is a winner of the Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Award in South Africa.

Read more...

---

A strategic milestone for Conical Technologies
Conical Technologies News
Conical Technologies has been appointed as the sole distributor in southern Africa for Mibbo, manufacturers of a vast array of products for the automation industry.

Read more...

---

Robotics TechTalk at UKZN
News
The Scientific Multidisciplinary Advanced Research Technology Lab at the University of KwaZulu-Natal recently held an exciting TechTalk. It was an opportunity to introduce students to the IEEE Robotics and Automation chapter, SAIMC, and the Robotics Association of South Africa.

Read more...

---

Top laboratory industry trends in the spotlight at analytica Lab Africa 2025
News
The future of laboratories and transformative diagnostic technologies will come under the spotlight in July at analytica Lab Africa, South Africa’s only trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology and diagnostics.

Read more...

---

Schneider Electric honoured with Gender Leader Award
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric has been awarded the Gender Leader Award at this year’s Africa CEO Forum. This award acknowledges those organisations operating in Africa that have shown a significant and continuous commitment to gender diversity and inclusion.

Read more...

---

Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 closes on a high note
News
The Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 officially wrapped up after three dynamic days at Gallagher Convention Centre, cementing its status as Africa’s leading platform for industrial automation, AI and IoT.

Read more...

---

A new generation of solar professionals
News
A new generation of solar professionals is rising in Cape Town. The second cohort of the Solar Youth Project has just completed an intensive eight-week training course and is ready to take on the next stage, 10 months of work experience.

Read more...

---