A robotics programme to inspire young people
1st Quarter 2014
News & events
FIRST (for inspiration and recognition of science and technology) is an international organisation that aims to instill an appreciation of science and technology in young people; and the FIRST Lego League (FLL) is a robotics programme aimed at 9 to 16-year-olds. The aim is to generate an interest in mathematics and science through the use of educational robotics. The building blocks are Lego. Competing against other teams, participants research and solve a real-world problem, 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.
In 2009, an all-black team of primary school children won locally and came second in the international competition in Europe. For the 2013-2014 season, there are 180 FLL teams competing in seven regional tournaments in South Africa. Three teams will travel to the USA to compete against the world’s best.
However, once these primary school children outgrow the FLL they need a bigger challenge to keep them interested in engineering, and there is a gap for children in grades 10 to 12, who form the main feeder group for universities offering engineering studies.
The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a natural progression for these learners. Teams are responsible for designing, building and programming their robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. Teams are required to develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles. Currently, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is the operational partner for FLL. However, to introduce FTC as a follow-up robotics programme, sponsors are urgently needed. At least 12 teams are needed to get the first FTC tournament going. The planned implementation schedule for FTC began in November 2013 and will culminate in the first tournaments in July 2014.
The R25 000 sponsorship still needed for each team includes the costs of a robot base set with Mindstorm controller, robot resource set, software, training in LabView and RobotC, field setup kit, tournament participation fee and team T-Shirts. TUT appeals to industry stakeholders to assist with sponsoring the balance of the funds needed.
For more information contact Johannes de Vries, Tshwane University of Technology, +27 (0)83 679 2015, [email protected], www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc
Further reading:
Innomotics showcases efficient motors and drives at Hannover Messe
News & events
Innomotics recently presented its innovations and solutions for a sustainable industry at Hannover Messe 2025. Highlights included a novel Active Vibration Control System, IE6 energy efficiency class motors, and new product partnerships.
Read more...
A racing partnership
SKF South Africa
News & events
In one of motorsport’s most demanding arenas, a partnership forged in engineering precision and high-performance ambition has proven its worth. SKF, a global leader in bearing technology and innovation, celebrated a remarkable milestone in partnership with SVR Toyota GAZOO Racing, taking second position overall at the 2025 Dakar Rally.
Read more...
German Chancellor visits Beckhoff at Hannover Messe
Beckhoff Automation
News & events
As part of the traditional Hannover Messe opening tour, Federal Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz visited German company, Beckhoff Automation. Hans Beckhoff, managing director and owner of Beckhoff Automation, presented his company and its comprehensive expertise in the field of software and AI.
Read more...
Festo 100th Anniversary: Celebrating a century-long legacy of innovation and commitment
Festo
News & events
Festo has officially begun celebrating 100 years of groundbreaking technology, commitment and enduring partnerships. To kick off this historic milestone celebration, their Customer Innovation Day and ThankYou Party series brought together customers, partners and employees to reflect on their journey and look ahead to an exciting future.
Read more...
SANSA Hartebeesthoek provides critical support for lunar mission
News & events
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is providing vital tracking, telemetry and command (TT&C) support for Intuitive Machines-2 (IM-2) lunar mission from its Hartebeesthoek ground station.
Read more...
Siemens and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrate 20 years of innovation
Siemens South Africa
News & events
Siemens Digital Industries Software is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its collaboration with Oracle Red Bull Racing, representing one of the longest standing technical partnerships in Formula 1 today.
Read more...
A new generation of solar professionals
News & events
A new generation of solar professionals is rising in Cape Town. The second cohort of the Solar Youth Project has just completed an intensive eight-week training course and is ready to take on the next stage, 10 months of work experience.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: The new space race
Technews Publishing
News & events
The other day an interesting report captured my attention. Within four days, two different private American companies recently succeeded in landing their spacecraft on the moon. Intuitive Machines landed
...
Read more...
Upskilled workers add value to maintenance teams
News & events
Maintenance costs, which are traditionally grudge expenses for businesses or industrial operations, can be kept to a minimum by ensuring that maintenance crews are properly trained in key aspects of the condition monitoring process. Wearcheck offers a choice of more than 15 courses covering a wide range of topics, from general oil analysis to thermography, transformer maintenance and many other reliability solutions services.
Read more...
BMG powers up at Nampo 2025
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
News & events
The BMG team was highly prominent at this year’s Nampo agricultural show, held near Bothaville recently. This prestigious event, which is one of the largest agricultural exhibitions in the southern hemisphere, is a highlight for manufacturers and suppliers of farming equipment, as well as for farmers, families and the entire community.
Read more...
printer friendly version