For the first time in the history of the competition, Festo will be contributing components (valued at over R250 000) to Cyber Junkyard, an inter-tertiary technology contest aimed at exposing tertiary institution students to a real-world project requirement and the products and technologies at their disposal. Festo Didactic will also be involved in the capacity of consultant to the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), one of 10 entrants.
Siemens, as main sponsor of Cyber Junkyard, invited Festo to participate this year, based on the need for high quality, industrial-grade mechanical automation equipment to provide the foundation on which sophisticated electronic equipment could operate.
"High accuracy motion control can only be achieved by a well integrated, cross-disciplinary approach: logical and flexible programming, running fast and stable electronics, powering strong and efficient drives, moving on smooth and precise mechanics," argues Horst Weinert from Festo Didactic (TUT Cyber Junkyard team leader 2003/4). "Our contribution should enable the contestants to really exploit the capabilities of the over R1-million worth of electronic components sponsored by Siemens."
Starting in October, this year's challenge will revolve around an automated storage and retrieval (pick-and-place) system for soda cans. "Cans enter on a conveyor at random," Weinert explains. "The system automatically identifies the cans, packs them into sorted storage racks and creates a database. When an order is placed, it checks the database, retrieves the respective cans and stacks a pallet for transport. Only components, manuals and basic training are supplied. The students design, build, wire, program and commission every detail."
"Siemens motors and drives will drive two axes electrically," Weinert explains. "A further two axes and Festo cylinders, valve terminals and proportional valves, together with proximity and proportional position sensors, will pneumatically drive the gripper. The resulting machines will be judged on speed and accuracy, practicality and ease of use, efficiency and the level of innovative technology employed."
With up to 10 of the top tertiary institutions in South Africa taking part every year, the competition was won by the University of Natal in 2003 (container crane) and Technikon Witwatersrand in 2004 (bottling plant). This year's winning tertiary institution will be presented with equipment to the value of R100 000, donated by Siemens.
"Cyber Junkyard exposes students to learning far beyond the standard curriculum," says Weinert. "We are proud to help provide them with the opportunity to attain highly marketable skills and a foot in the door to just about every automation plant in the country."
The Tshwane University of Technology Team won second place for their bottling machine in the 2004 Cyber Junkyard Competition.
Helping mines get results from water improvements
News
South African mines operate under constrained, water-scarce conditions where every investment must be justified. Xylem’s Chetan Mistry explains how the right water technology partner helps mines prioritise high-value water systems across the mining lifecycle.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Pushing engineering to the limit Technews Publishing
News
Among the many things robots can do, it’s a lot of fun to follow how fast they are. They go from the Boston Dynamics cheetah, which first reached a record-breaking speed of 45,5 km/h, to the robot Charlie ...
Read more...Schneider Electric concludes Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric's Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa, held in Abu Dhabi with more than 2500 attendees, explored the convergence of energy, AI and industrial software, launched an Industrial AI study and announced the NEST Accelerator Programme for energy and industrial tech startups.
Read more...VEGA brings measurement expertise beyond mining to Electra Mining Africa 2026 VEGA Controls SA
News
VEGA used its Electra Mining Africa 2026 stand to demonstrate that its level and pressure measurement instruments extend well beyond mining, covering water, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and oil and gas applications across the continent.
Read more...Sustainable solutions for sugar Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
News
BMG received a Special Commendation Exhibition Stand Award at the South African Sugar Technologists’ Association Congress, where it showcased an integrated turnkey drive solution designed to simplify the upgrading of ageing crushing-mill drive systems.
Read more...Measure, Manage, Maintain: The operating model behind SA’s water resilience Siemens South Africa
News
South Africa’s growing water crisis is putting pressure on infrastructure, municipalities and the economy. Siemens highlights how digital technologies, smarter operations and safe water reuse could help shift the country from crisis response towards a more resilient and sustainable water future.
Read more...VEGA brings measurement expertise beyond mining to Electra Mining Africa 2026 VEGA Controls SA
News
VEGA used its Electra Mining Africa 2026 stand to demonstrate that its level and pressure measurement instruments extend well beyond mining, covering water, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and oil and gas applications across the continent.
Read more...Schneider Electric concludes Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric’s Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa, held in Abu Dhabi with more than 2500 attendees, explored the convergence of energy, AI and industrial software, launched an Industrial AI study and announced the NEST Accelerator Programme.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version