The University of North West, based in Potchefstroom, triumphed in the 2006 Siemens South Africa Cyber Junkyard Competition, presented in cooperation with pneumatic and mechatronics specialist Festo. Second place was awarded to the University of Johannesburg and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University from Port Elizabeth won third prize.
Contestants, who were tasked with building a device capable of assembling the various small parts of a promotional key-ring, were judged on a number of parameters. These ranged from effective performance (ie, number of key-rings produced in the allotted time), to accurate and reliable mechanisms, robust and modular programming, cost-effective manufacture and assembly of the project, full use of supplied components from Siemens and Festo, innovative concepts, safe operation and interlocks, complete documentation, manuals and designs, and cohesive and dynamic teamwork (ie, confidence, knowledge, presentation and interaction).
In addition to having drawn competitors from outside South Africa for the first time, the competition involved the very latest technological innovations. Included in the R280 000 donation in components and technology from Festo, contestants relished the opportunity to incorporate the fluidic muscle, an actuator that utilises the unique concept of material deformation and flexure to achieve linear motion. This afforded designers with an alternative, efficient both in relative size and weight, while also providing up to 10 times more force than conventional cylinders.
Other new products from Festo that made the challenge more interesting and globally relevant this year included a micro cylinder, a micro valve terminal and rodless cylinders. These and other parts from Festo, together with electronic and software components from Siemens, had to be combined in the final solution.
Eleven educational institutions, including one from Namibia, took part in the competition, with teams consisting of between three and six participants. Festo Didactic provided three weeks of introductory training to the participants in the fields of pneumatics and mechatronics, as well as the components involved.
For more information contact Joanne Dix, sales and marketing, Festo, +27 (0) 11 971 5560, [email protected]
Next-generation motor management solution Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events Other technologies
Schneider Electric has launched its TeSys Tera motor management solution in the West African market, combining advanced motor protection, digital connectivity and real-time diagnostics for manufacturing, mining and water applications.
Read more...Integrated Air Solutions places energy efficiency at centre stage
News & events
Integrated Air Solutions will showcase Tier 1 compressor brands, advanced technologies and compressed air solutions at Electra Mining Africa 2026, with energy efficiency and total cost of ownership at the core of its exhibition theme.
Read more...SI programme strengthens partner ecosystem Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events
Schneider Electric will soon officially launch its new System Integrator (SI) Programme, which will mark a major change in how the company partners with industrial automation specialists across Southern, East and West Africa.
Read more...OMRON Robotics demos next-generation autonomous mobile robots
Editor's Choice News & events Robotics & Mechatronics
Advancing smarter material flow with the all-new LD-150 and LD-300 AMRs, OMRON Robotics demonstrated the next generation of its flagship LD series autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at Automate 2026 in June.
Read more...Pump spares and parts for Africa
News & events
KSB Pumps and Valves explains how its decentralised stockholding and local manufacturing keep spares and parts available across its installed base in Africa.
Read more...The hidden heroes who shape Africa’s industrial future Bosch Rexroth Africa
Editor's Choice News & events
Behind every industrial success story, there’s a human one. Their names may never appear on a project signboard or in a headline. Yet their expertise and determination keep industries moving every day.
Read more...Bühler Southern Africa leads industry dialogue on apprenticeships
Editor's Choice News & events
Bühler Southern Africa brought together representatives from industry, government and international organisations on 30 June 2026 to explore how quality apprenticeships can help bridge the gap between high youth unemployment and industry demand for skilled technical workers.
Read more...New digital tool reconditioning portal puts customers fully in control
News & events
Sandvik Coromant has upgraded its tool reconditioning service for solid round tools. The upgraded service replaces a previously manual, multi-stage workflow with a streamlined, fully online experience that dramatically reduces quotation and turnaround times.
Read more...New automation innovations on show at Electra Mining Africa 2026
News & events
South African engineers are leaders in innovation and technology development. Many of these innovations and newly automated systems will be on display at the largest trade show of its kind in southern Africa, Electra Mining Africa 2026, taking place in Johannesburg later this year.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version