EtherCAT soccer robots are world champions again

September 2023 News

Tech United is a multidisciplinary team of students, postdoctorates and employees of the Eindhoven University of Technology, who are working on robot development. Their expertise is gleaned from the fields of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer algorithms. Tech United relies on EtherCAT for its communication technology, as it has done since the first generation in 2005, and participates in robot tournaments around the world. The team has done it again: its autonomous EtherCAT-based soccer robots won the world championship, the RoboCup, the most powerful league in robot soccer.

The RoboCup is an annual world championship for robots that can communicate and respond to an ever-changing environment. It is an open-source competition, and after each tournament all of the knowledge gained is shared among the teams. The rules of the game also change every year to challenge teams to constantly improve and innovate their technologies.

The software for controlling the robots consists of four modules: Vision, World Model, Strategy, and Motion. The Vision module processes data from the vision sensors, such as omnivision images, to determine the positions of the ball, opponents, and the robot itself. This position data is fed into the World Model. Here, image data from all team members is combined to create a unified representation of the environment. The Strategy module makes decisions based on this generated world model. Finally, the Motion module translates the Strategy module’s instructions into low-level control commands for the robot’s actuators.

Further reading:

SKF crowned champions in Sishen service provider competition
SKF South Africa News
SKF wins Sishen service provider competition.

Read more...

---

Bühler hosts Student Career Expo
News
Bühler Southern Africa recently hosted its fourth annual Student Career Expo, reaffirming its commitment to inspiring and guiding the next generation towards diverse and rewarding career possibilities.

Read more...

---

Navigating global uncertainty through human-centred risk management
News
Global uncertainties are no longer exceptional events, they are the environment in which we work. This reality places new demands on how we manage risk.

Read more...

---

Africa Automation Indaba 2026: Catalysing a connected, competitive industrial future
News
Africa’s automation and process control landscape is poised for a major milestone with the launch of the Africa Automation Indaba, taking place from 13 to 14 May 2026 at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront, Cape Town.

Read more...

---

The unseen crisis in our taps
News
South Africa’s water crisis is no longer looming. It is already here. To move forward, water treatment must become part of a broader infrastructure renewal agenda. This includes decentralised solutions, private-sector innovation and long-term investment.

Read more...

---

German experts for bulk solids measurement technology join forces
Mecosa News
MÜTEC Instruments in Germany has acquired DYNA Instruments. the German manufacturer of inline moisture and mass flow measurement systems.

Read more...

---

Specialised Exhibitions transitions to new name: Montgomery Group Africa
News
As part of a strategic move to streamline operations, strengthen regional alignment and support long-term growth, Specialised Exhibitions has transitioned to a new name: Montgomery Group Africa.

Read more...

---

RS South Africa and Qhubeka empower learners through the gift of mobility
RS South Africa News
RS South Africa, in partnership with Qhubeka Charity, is continuing to make a tangible difference in the lives of South African learners through its bicycle donation initiative.

Read more...

---

A technical partnership that lasts
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists News
Ian Loudon, international sales and marketing at remote monitoring specialist, Omniflex reflects on the longevity of the partnership with Sasol, the key technology milestones along the way, and the most recent project in South Africa.

Read more...

---

From the Editor's Desk: The human side of automation
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control) News
Spring is here, holidays are getting closer and there’s a new energy in the air. With this in mind, in this issue we cover the very important topic of ECSA registration. SAIMC’s COO, Gerhard Greeff, ...

Read more...

---