Judging for the PneuDrive Challenge 2012 Engineering Design Competition has come to an end and the dominance that Stellenbosch University has displayed over the last four years was broken by an innovative and ground-breaking design from the Tshwane University of Technology. As in previous years, the judging panel was made up of specialists with a wide range of business and engineering experience. After two days of intensive judging, they concluded that Tshwane University of Technology’s Gel Seed Planter was the winning design.
Students Mias Swanepoel, Byron Nielson, JP Joubert and Gerrit Botha highlighted the reality of hunger in the world. Their research into the area of plant yields revealed that significant improvements could be made in the areas of seed propagation and planting. They designed a high-speed, automated seeding machine to improve the process of preparing seeds for planting. By reducing the costs associated with seeding and improving the productivity and planting efficiency of greenhouse farms, food production can be increased at a lower cost.
The winners (l to r) Mias Swanepoel, Byron Nielson, JP Joubert, Gerrit Botha and lecturer Johan Benade.
When asked about some of their learning experiences during the competition, the team expressed that one of the most interesting things they learnt was how versatile drive and pneumatic technology actually is in the real world. The vast range of components that are available was also an eye-opener.
Another learning area was the critical importance of project management, something that is not taught until much later in one’s career. Being able to experience difficult project issues in a safe environment is invaluable to both the students who participated in this year’s competition as well as the businesses that will take on these students in the future.
The team from TUT have received a 10-day all expenses paid trip to Germany, during which they will get an opportunity to present their design at the head offices of SEW-Eurodrive and Festo, another valuable learning experience. The commitment of the sponsors to partnering with learning institutions is further reflected in the fact that the winning university received R100 000 worth of drive and pneumatic products, while each participating university is offered R40 000 worth of sponsor products for completing the competition.
Rene Rose, general manager communications at SEW-Eurodrive: “This competition is the perfect platform to bring academic theory and business reality closer together. We are proud to be part of this initiative designed to raise the competency and innovation of South African engineering students. The practical experience that the PneuDrive Challenge offers gives students business and engineering experience that goes way beyond typical lecture room experiences.”
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...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...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...From the editor's desk: The age of superintelligence Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
In this issue of SA Instrumentation & Control we say farewell to our longstanding contributing editor, Michael Brown, who is retiring soon. His outstanding contribution over the years in the field of ...
Read more...Cable solution simplifies connectivity SEW-EURODRIVE
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Cabling can be one of the most challenging aspects of automation and drive system installations, often leading to delays, faults and inefficiencies. SEW-EURODRIVE offers a solution that simplifies connectivity, its innovative Digital Data Interface technology combined with a single cable system.
Read more...Driving digital transformation in the new wave SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
News
The latest presentation in the series ‘Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry’ will be held on Wednesday 25 June. It will be presented by Johan Potgieter, Cluster Industrial Software Leader for Schneider Electric, South Africa.
printer friendly version