Local robotics team’s journey to the world stage
Second Quarter 2024
News & events
In the heart of Cape Town, a group of young visionaries aged 12 to 17 is making waves in the world of robotics. Known as Texpand, this team from Pinelands has not only dominated the First Tech Challenge (FTC) in South Africa, but has also earned international acclaim for its innovative approach to engineering and problem solving. Last year, the youngsters represented South Africa on the global stage, bringing home the prestigious Think Award.
Through its participation in FTC, Texpand has transformed robotics into a spectator sport, showcasing its skills in designing and programming robots to perform complex tasks. Of course, there is the competition element to be proud of. But more than that, Texpand is doing its bit to make STEM education accessible to all, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Texpand itself highlights this diversity, with team members consisting of kids from urban areas like Pinelands, Mitchell’s Plain, Claremont and Simonstown, and rural areas like Grabouw and Robertson.
The invitation to the upcoming World Championships in Houston is a recognition of excellence. The team convincingly won all its matches at both the Western Cape Regionals and South African Nationals. This included setting the highest score ever achieved in the history of the game in the country. Texpand also won both top-ranked awards: the Robot Game Winner and the Inspire Award. The Inspire Award is for the team that is outstanding in all the judged categories. These include engineering, innovation, industrial design, problem solving, business planning, and outreach initiatives.
Even though their robot is on par with some of the best robots in the world, they face a significant hurdle in preparing to compete in Houston: the cost of travel. This provides an excellent opportunity for companies to get on board and be profiled as investors in youth STEM skills development. Texpand already has an impactful STEM programme in place, sharing the success, knowledge and passion for the technology they get on the world stage to inspire and train young children from under-resourced communities.
Several of the team members come from families where these travel expenses are simply too much. This is where we can all play a part. By supporting Texpand, we are helping to invest in the future of technology education in the country. It comes down to giving these bright young minds the platform they deserve to shine on the world stage and, more importantly, to continue their work in inspiring the next generation of innovators.
So let us come together and help these young visionaries expand their horizons, and in turn transform the landscape of STEM education in the communities of South Africa. To help garner support for Texpand’s journey to the World Championships in Houston in April this year, a GoFundMe campaign page has been launched. Visit this link for more information: https://gofund.me/569fedb2.
Corporate sponsors can contact directly by emailing: [email protected].
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