Through its Ambassador Programme, Siemens Southern Africa supports 10 universities across the country through donations of money and equipment. Martin Taverner, regional manager of Siemens SA Industry Automation & Drive Technology says, “Our objective is to ensure that our education partners are better able to develop their students through our state-of-the-art technologies.”
From left: Martin Taverner, Quintin Kruse and Prof. Theo van Niekerk
The newest project involves an automated guided vehicle being designed by a fourth-year mechatronics student at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, to which Siemens donates R40 000 or the equivalent in technology on an annual basis. “This is an ongoing project at the university. Every year, a fourth-year or post-graduate student is tasked with developing the vehicle further,” explains Taverner. “Last year, the initial mechanical construction was done. This year it is the electronics, and in 2010 the next student will do an upgrade on the mechanics.”
A compact unit which closely resembles a tank, the automated guided vehicle can be controlled and monitored from a laptop using Siemens’ wireless technology. The vehicle is designed to follow a set programme and conduct certain tasks by itself. For example, it could be used on an automated assembly line by moving from one station to the next and performing predetermined functions. It also includes a sensor to prevent the vehicle bumping into obstacles.
“Siemens’ investment in educational institutions over the years is starting to pay dividends, and we are delighted to see innovative projects such as the automated guided vehicle at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University,” Taverner says. “Students are gaining practical experience using up-to-date technology, and as such are extremely sought after once they have qualified.”
Siemens Southern Africa’s Ambassador Programme forms part of the company’s international Generation 21 initiative that promotes improved education with a particular focus on mathematics and science, and in support of the SA government’s focus on skills development.
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