The theme of the 2102 Pneudrive Challenge aims to stretch mechanical, electronic and mechatronic engineering students beyond their academic and engineering design boundaries. “We are confident that the challenge of ‘Engineering a Better Life for South African Communities’ will result in a range of innovative entries that will showcase our young engineering talent,” says Rene Rose, general manager of marketing and communications at SEW-Eurodrive, co-sponsor with Festo of the competition.
Besides creating an opportunity to bring together academic theory, the latest pneumatic and drive technology and real-life business and design problems, the PneuDrive Challenge also develops important characteristics in young engineers entering the job market. On reviewing the entries of the past, the most successful teams displayed the following characteristics:
* A clear perception of how team members can interdependently perform tasks and roles.
* Successful engagement on an interpersonal level while solving project problems.
* Individual accountability for tasks and deliverables that work towards the achievement of the team’s goals.
* Regular generation of opportunities to review and improve performance to ensure effectiveness of the end result.
Any decision maker in business will acknowledge that these kinds of characteristics are crucial for any team, and prospective employees who display these characteristics would be valuable in any business setting.
“By experiencing how to work in teams, develop new ideas, engage with industry experts and apply theory on a practical, real-life business level, students get an insight into how they will need to perform once they graduate,” says Brian Abbott, product manager, mechanical at Festo.
Modernising for productivity SEW-EURODRIVE
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Making its debut appearance at NAMPO Cape in Bredasdorp in September this year, geared motor specialist SEW-EURODRIVE is all set to excite the farming community with even more solutions to drive productivity and efficiency.
Read more...Selection of two-port valves: an open and shut case SMC Corporation South Africa
News & events
Little consideration is generally given to 2-port valves because they are often perceived as simple devices that only open and close to control downstream fluid supply. Although this is mechanically true, choosing the optimal 2-port valve for your application can make a big difference, saving space, weight and energy consumption.
Read more...MeerKAT radio telescope array
Editor's Choice News & events
Leading consulting engineering and infrastructure advisory practice, Zutari is continuing its involvement with the world-leading MeerKAT radio telescope array, where it has played a leading role since the project first broke ground.
Read more...From the editor's desk: The weakest link Technews Publishing
News & events
Lately I’ve been getting an ever-increasing number of articles on cybersecurity in my inbox. It’s easy to put it on the backburner, but there is no doubt that this is a very serious problem that’s not ...
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE’s growing local range drives entry into new markets SEW-EURODRIVE
News & events
SEW-EURODRIVE is rolling out an even greater selection of planetary drives as part of its strategy to ‘close the loop’ in its product offerings by expanding into more industry sectors, showcasing new opportunities for industrial gearbox users.
Read more...STEMulator – a gift to the youth of the nation
News & events
STEMulator is a groundbreaking virtual platform designed to ignite the spark of curiosity in young minds, and stimulate their interest in STEM subjects. An initiative of the National Science and Technology Forum, STEMulator recently launched its free virtual school on National Youth Day.
Read more...Parker join forces for FIA World Rallycross season Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
News & events
Parker Hannifin and the CE Dealer Team by Volvo Construction Equipment will join forces once again for the FIA World Rallycross 2024 season, marking two years of partnership dedicated to advancing electrification on and off the racing track.
Read more...Enhancing industrial safety
News & events
Yaskawa has an enduring partnership with Axelent, a premier manufacturer of industrial safety solutions. For nearly two decades, Yaskawa has relied on Axelent’s innovative safety products to enhance the protection and efficiency of robotic facilities.