FIRST Lego League goes from strength to strength
July 2020
News
FIRST (for inspiration and recognition of science and technology) is an international organisation that aims to generate an interest in mathematics, science and technology through the use of robotics programs. The building blocks are Lego. Competing against other teams, participants research and solve real-world problems, present their research and solutions, and build an autonomous robot using engineering concepts. Bringing robotics technology to students in disadvantaged communities can have a profound impact at every level.
While the Covid pandemic brought the world to a standstill, the FIRST community has been working very hard to adopt new ways of doing and thinking and has unveiled a fresh new look for FIRST Lego League (FLL). The new program now encompasses three divisions: FLL Discover for ages 4 to 6, FLL Explore for ages 6 to 10, and FLL Challenge for ages 9 to 16. With the growing number of teams and FIRST programs in South Africa and neighbouring countries, FIRST SA has also expanded its key management team.
To increase the growth and support of teams before the new season launch amid the constraints of Covid, FIRST SA is hosting a Virtual Live Learning Programme using the Virtual Robotics Toolkit, Google classroom and LEGO Digital Designer. This is made possible by generous support from its gracious sponsors and donors: in-person regional competitions are planned for early 2021 and FIRST is also developing a remote competition option for the Explore and Challenge competitions.
The dedicated FIRST SA team is committed to developing a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in the youth of Southern Africa: visit https://instrumentation.co.za/papers/EI&C64.pdf
More information at www.firstsa.org
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...
Two weeks to go: AATF 2025 welcomes Africa’s industrial future
News
With less than two weeks to go, the countdown to Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 is on - and there’s never been a better time to register.
Read more...
Groundbreaking renewable energy skills platform
News
South Africa’s renewable energy sector has taken a significant leap forward with the launch of PowerUp. A South African first, this online platform is designed to equip the country’s workforce with the skills required to meet industry demands.
Read more...
Innomotics wins Platinum TITAN Brand Award for Best Corporate Rebranding
News
Innomotics has been awarded with the Platinum TITAN Brand Award for Best Corporate Rebranding. The international jury honoured Innomotics’ efforts to develop a powerful and recognisable brand after the carve-out of Innomotics from the Siemens Group in 2023.
Read more...
Unlocking Africa’s hydrogen potential
News
Africa is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the global green energy revolution, with hydrogen emerging as a critical commodity of strategic and national importance across the continent. Namibia is putting ambition into action by having already reached a number of key milestones towards final investment decision on up to five projects.
Read more...
Fuchs doubles sales volume
News
An aggressive growth strategy in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa over the last decade has resulted in Fuchs Lubricants South Africa achieving a CAGR of 6% in volume sold since 2015. The result of this is that sales volume has nearly doubled in this time.
Read more...
High-quality sensing and automation equipment
News
The Turck Banner Demo Van is showcasing the company’s latest products and solutions.Turck Banner sells directly to end users and OEMs in a broad range of industries and applications.
Read more...
SA company uses AI to break the language barrier
News
Helm has a unique approach to AI that allows it to automate customer communication in any of South Africa’s 11 official spoken languages.
Read more...
From ground to compound: the journey of crude oil
Wearcheck
News
You’re in for a ‘crude awakening’ when you download WearCheck’s latest Technical Bulletin. You will be treated to an in-depth explanation of the processes of producing oil, fuel and other petrochemical wonders that power our modern lifestyle.
Read more...
2025 – a year for growth, amid industry challenges
News
Automation is rapidly emerging as a catalyst for industrial transformation, enabling businesses to meet sustainability targets, enhance productivity and drive economic efficiency.
Read more...
printer friendly version