Robot cars excite and inspire
3rd Quarter 2016
News & events
The Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering at the University of Pretoria (UP) recently held the fourth autonomous robot vehicle (ARV) race. The race involves small ARVs that are built by third-year students as part of the Microcontrollers module. The students’ ingenuity is put to the test when they compete against each other to see which team’s ARV can complete a track made up of red, green and blue lines that zigzag across each other, in the shortest possible time. An ARV is able to ‘read’ the track it has to follow through a light sensor that shines down onto the track, from where it is reflected back onto the sensor.
The process of building the ARVs is an excellent opportunity for students to integrate everything they have learnt in a practical way – from writing, testing and implementing the firmware for the designed hardware to building the chassis of the vehicle itself. The idea is the brainchild of Professor Tania Hanekom, who has received several awards including the 2015 UP Innovation and Excellence in Teaching Award, for the innovative teaching methods that she has helped to implement in the department. Through this innovative project, aspiring engineers are guided through a process to develop a fundamental set of engineering skills which include hardware and software design, systems integration, the ability to work and function in a team, time management, perseverance, and the good old indispensable ‘engineering gut feeling’, which comes only with experience in the execution of engineering projects.
For more information contact Liesel Swart, University of Pretoria, +27 (0)82 672 0067, [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