At our last Technology Evening Yashren Reddi gave a well structured and interesting presentation on the basic principles of the highly developed control system he used for his mini-Sedgeway remote controlled robot. The design which won him first prize in the category for best Engineering Design and Research, in the 2009 South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) national student project competition. The model exhibited considerable ability to withstand externally induced disturbances – more simply, it was hard to knock it down!
(L to R) Professor Ed Bojé, Vinesh Maharaj and Yashren Reddi holding the two-wheeled inverted pendulum robot
The Durban branch certainly appreciated the opportunity to see the highly successful outcome of this top student’s work and we are encouraging him and other talented individuals in the fields of automation and process control to join the SAIMC to promote mutually beneficial interaction between academia and industry.
Forthcoming Attractions: Neil Webb from Isinyithi Cathode Protection will be presenting at the April SAIMC Durban branch technology evening on 7 April. The topic is ‘Cathodic protection’ and the underlying electro-mechanical theory and techniques. If you have ever wondered how cathodic protection works, why it is important or how to optimise the process, you are welcome to attend the presentation. Neil will also be talking about how to comply with hazardous area requirements and elaborating on monitoring trends, particularly on-line.
Neil has lectured widely in South Africa and overseas and is the author of over 30 papers on cathodic protection, metal sprayed and organic coatings, and plant maintenance. In 1987 he was awarded the Corrosion Institute Silver Medal for his lecture entitled 'Cathodic Protection – Medical Aid for Pipelines' He is also a regular lecturer in the Corrosion Institute’s training courses. In 2009, he was awarded the Corrosion Institute Bronze Medal in recognition of his contribution to lecturing and technical training on behalf of CorrISA.
Wednesday 7 April 2010
Venue: University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Room G-01, Faculty of Electrical Engineering. 17:30 for 18:15.
The committee encourages members and interested parties to attend this meeting. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
If you need more information, please call Vinesh Maharaj on +27 (0)83 792 6518 or e-mail [email protected]
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