FIRST Lego League goes from strength to strength
Third Quarter 2020
News & events
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 for ages 4 to 6, 6 to 10 and 10 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 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. For more information about the 2020/2021 season visit https://motioncontrol.co.za/papers/lego_league.pdf
Further reading:
Innomotics certified for innovative mine winder braking system
News & events
Innomotics has achieved SIL 3 certification for the COBRA 02 S braking system for mine winder installations, together with OLKO-Maschinentechnik.
Read more...
BMG backs emerging driver talent in South African motorsport
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
News & events
BMG has reaffirmed its commitment to local talent development through its sponsorship of Karabo Malemela, a driver on the Pablo Clark Racing Development Company’s motorsport development programme.
Read more...
Parker Hannifin brings advanced motion technologies to the World RX
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
News & events
Parker Hannifin is back on the FIA World Rallycross Championship grid to push the limits of sustainable performance in one of motorsport’s toughest arenas.
Read more...
Prestigious award recognises inventiveness and entrepreneurial courage
Beckhoff Automation
News & events
Hans Beckhoff, managing director, owner and founder of Beckhoff Automation, was recently honoured with the widely acclaimed Rudolf Diesel Medal 2025. This medal honours him as a visionary pioneer in automation technology.
Read more...
Epiroc rocks youth development programmes
News & events
Epiroc is not just building equipment - it’s building futures. Through its dynamic internship and learner programmes, the mining equipment and services specialist is shaping South Africa’s next generation of skilled professionals, equipping them with real-world experience, industry knowledge and the confidence to launch successful careers.
Read more...
RS South Africa showcases industrial solutions at MTE Phalaborwa
RS South Africa
News & events
RS South Africa recently showcased its latest industrial and electronic solutions at the Mining and Technical Exhibition in Phalaborwa in Limpopo.
Read more...
LH Marthinusen launches new industrial fan manufacturing and services factory
News & events
LH Marthinusen has launched its new industrial fan manufacturing and services factory in Ekurhuleni. THis is a major milestone for South African energy infrastructure growth.
Read more...
Building skills and sharing knowledge for growth in Africa
SEW-EURODRIVE
News & events
As a leading provider of drive and automation solutions across the continent, SEW-EURODRIVE recognises that local insight and on-the-ground capability are critical to delivering effective sustainable results. The company continues to invest in people development and technical training within its network of African subsidiaries and partners, supporting the long-term growth of its customers and the broader industrial ecosystem.
Read more...
Schneider Electric drives innovation in Africa
Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first Innovation Hub on the African continent, coinciding with the opening of its new regional headquarters in Midrand, South Africa.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: Riding the hype cycle
Technews Publishing
News & events
The other day, I came across an entertaining article on the ten biggest tech failures of the last decade. Google Glass, 3D TVs and Elon Musk’s hyperloop have all faded into obscurity. Others, like the
...
Read more...
printer friendly version