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.
Schneider Electric’s next generation UPS Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events
Schneider Electric has launched the new Galaxy VXL – a highly efficient, compact, modular, scalable and redundant 500-1250 kW (400V) 3-phase uninterruptible power supply, complete with enhanced cybersecurity, software and safety features.
Read more...Fuchs Lubricants sails strong into 2025
News & events
The successful completion of a major investment programme has significantly increased the growth potential of Fuchs Lubricants South Africa.
Read more...WearCheck launches advanced thermography course
News & events
WearCheck recently launched a new training course, InfraFocus to upskill users of thermographic cameras. This highlights the best ways to capture thermographic imagery for use in a condition monitoring programme.
Read more...SKF empowers employees SKF South Africa
News & events
The cornerstone to SKF’s success as a global leader in premium bearing products and rotating technology is an unwavering commitment to investing in its valued employees. Tsholofelo Choma, who now proudly holds the position of quality environmental health and safety (QEHS) officer, exemplifies SKF’s employee-centricity ethos.
Read more...From the editor's desk: A new disruption Technews Publishing
News & events
Just when we thought we were getting to grips with ChatGPT, another large language model is causing havoc. This time it’s a Chinese one called DeepSeek, which was released on 20 January 2025 and on ...
Read more...Festo celebrates its centenary Festo
News & events
Creating added customer value through innovation has been the driving force behind the family-owned company from the beginning and remains the key to Festo’s success today. The company’s anniversary is being celebrated with employees, customers and partners worldwide throughout the year.
Read more...Motion technology for all types of automation Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
News & events Electrical switching & drive systems & components
BMG has been appointed by The Timken Company as a distributor in southern Africa for the Rollon linear motion guidance system.
Read more...Epiroc and ABB collaborate on underground trolley solutions
News & events
Epiroc and ABB have signed a MoU based on underground trolley equipment to collaborate on joint, comprehensive and integrated electrification solutions for the mining industry to increase productivity and achieve decarbonisation targets.
printer friendly version