The well-known Pneudrive Challenge is going from strength to strength – to such an extent that sponsor SEW-Eurodrive is looking for help. “We are not looking for money,” explains marketing and communications general manager, René Rose. “What we need is people who are interested and who are willing to get involved and come and spend time with the students or act as judges.”
For example, there are various touchpoints during the year where students can check that they are on track. They typically spend 160 hours on a project and are given the option of submitting a business concept before they spend too much time. Following that they can submit their basic design concept. At any time they can have meetings to sort out technical issues such as whether they are using the right product. “This is really nice for us because we can build a relationship with them and get to know them over the course of the year – it’s a lot of fun,” she continues. “They ask interesting questions, they are inquisitive, they want to try new things and they come up with wacky ideas.”
Students are also taught about business. For many of them this is their first exposure; often they are so busy with their design that they don’t think about whether it will sell. This year they have to design a game changer for a food and beverage factory. “We are constantly on the lookout for customers or Motion Control readers who can get involved with the students, or companies that are willing to host students at their plants,” concludes Rose.
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