The University of North West, based in Potchefstroom, triumphed in the 2006 Siemens South Africa Cyber Junkyard Competition, presented in cooperation with pneumatic and mechatronics specialist Festo. Second place was awarded to the University of Johannesburg and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University from Port Elizabeth won third prize.
Contestants, who were tasked with building a device capable of assembling the various small parts of a promotional key-ring, were judged on a number of parameters. These ranged from effective performance (ie number of key-rings produced in the allotted time), to accurate and reliable mechanisms, robust and modular programming, cost-effective manufacture and assembly of the project, full use of supplied components from Siemens and Festo, innovative concepts, safe operation and interlocks, complete documentation, manuals and designs, and cohesive and dynamic teamwork (ie, confidence, knowledge, presentation and interaction).
In addition to having drawn competitors from outside South Africa for the first time, the competition involved the very latest technological innovations. Included in the R280 000 donation in components and technology from Festo, contestants relished the opportunity to incorporate the fluidic muscle, an actuator that utilises the unique concept of material deformation and flexure to achieve linear motion. This afforded designers with an alternative, efficient both in relative size and weight, while also providing up to 10 times more force than conventional cylinders.
Other new products from Festo that made the challenge more interesting and globally relevant this year included a micro cylinder, a micro valve terminal and rodless cylinders. These and other parts from Festo, together with electronic and software components from Siemens, had to be combined in the final solution.
Eleven educational institutions, including one from Namibia, took part in this year's competition, with teams consisting of between three and six participants. Festo Didactic provided three weeks of introductory training to the participants on the fields of pneumatics and mechatronics, as well as the components involved.
For more information contact Joanne Dix, sales and marketing, Festo, +27 (0) 11 971 55 60, sales_za@festo.com
Read more...From the editor's desk: Consistently not stupid Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Over the years I’ve followed Charlie Munger. He’s considered to be one of the greatest investors and thinkers on decision making in the past century, and spent six decades as Warren Buffett’s business ...
Read more...South Africa’s space balls
Editor's Choice News
South African engineers are preparing to take low-frequency radio astronomy to the Moon with three locally developed B.A.L.L.S. spheres aboard China’s Chang’e-8 mission. This could pave the way for a 55-antenna lunar array and marks another step in the country’s growing space engineering capability.
Read more...RS South Africa announces 2026 Student Project Fund winners RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa has awarded 13 engineering students with R10?000 worth of products each through its 2026 Student Project Fund, supporting projects spanning renewable energy, robotics, warehouse automation and STEM education.
Read more...Certified gas meter module
News
Sensirion’s next-generation SGM5304 gas meter module has completed certification to the harmonised EN 17526 standard, simplifying MID approval and speeding customers’ route to market.
Read more...Trafo Power Solutions expands market share
News
Trafo Power Solutions is expanding its market share in mining, industrial, infrastructure, data centre and renewable energy applications through technical expertise, application-specific engineering and responsive customer support.
Read more...Trafo Power Solutions returns to Electra Mining Africa
News
Trafo Power Solutions returns to Electra Mining Africa 2026 with a portfolio that has expanded well beyond dry-type transformers into fully engineered electrical power solutions for mining, industrial and infrastructure operations across Africa.
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