For the first time in the history of the competition, Festo will be contributing components (valued at over R250 000) to Cyber Junkyard, an inter-tertiary technology contest aimed at exposing tertiary institution students to a real-world project requirement and the products and technologies at their disposal. Festo Didactic will also be involved in the capacity of consultant to the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), one of 10 entrants.
Siemens, as main sponsor of Cyber Junkyard, invited Festo to participate this year based on the need for high quality, industrial-grade mechanical automation equipment to provide the foundation on which sophisticated electronic equipment could operate.
"High accuracy motion control can only be achieved by a well integrated, cross-disciplinary approach: logical and flexible programming, running fast and stable electronics, powering strong and efficient drives, moving on smooth and precise mechanics," argues Horst Weinert from Festo Didactic (TUT Cyber Junkyard team leader 2003/4). "Our contribution should enable the contestants to really exploit the capabilities of the over R1-million worth of electronic components sponsored by Siemens."
Starting in October, this year's challenge will revolve around an automated storage and retrieval (pick-and-place) system for soda cans. "Cans enter on a conveyor at random," Weinert explains. "The system automatically identifies the cans, packs them into sorted storage racks and creates a database. When an order is placed, it checks the database, retrieves the respective cans and stacks a pallet for transport. Only components, manuals and basic training are supplied. The students design, build, wire, program and commission every detail."
"Siemens motors and drives will drive two axes electrically," Weinert explains. "A further two axes and Festo cylinders, valve terminals and proportional valves, together with proximity and proportional position sensors, will pneumatically drive the gripper. The resulting machines will be judged on speed and accuracy, practicality and ease of use, efficiency and the level of innovative technology employed."
Up to 10 of the top tertiary institutions in South Africa take part every year. The University of Natal won the 2003 competition, with its container crane, and Technikon Witwatersrand won the 2004 competition, with its bottling plant entry. This year's winners will be presented with R100 000 worth of equipment donated by Siemens to the tertiary institution.
"Cyber Junkyard exposes students to learning far beyond the standard curriculum," says Weinert. "We are proud to help provide them with the opportunity to attain highly marketable skills and a foot in the door to just about every automation plant in the country."
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