But how does this remarkable invention relate to the North-West University (NWU)? In short: it bears testament to the university’s commitment towards the continuing development of science, technology, engineering and mathematics – or STEM as it is more commonly referred to.
Avalanches (masses of snow, ice, and rocks that fall rapidly down a mountainside), kill more than 150 people worldwide each year, with the most at-risk individuals being snowmobilers, skiers, and snowboarders.
Once an avalanche stops, it settles like concrete making any bodily movement nearly impossible. Statistics furthermore show that 93% of avalanche victims survive if dug out within 15 minutes – after this time period the survival rate drops fast.
In theory the youngster’s robot will drastically enhance search-and-rescue efforts as it is able to save valuable time by picking up distress signals and pinpointing exact locations.
The trio’s global success started out as an entry for Robofest South Africa, hosted by the NWU’s campus in Vanderbijlpark in collaboration with Trophy Robotics in March this year. The trio – or Brainiacs as they call themselves – was represented by Izabelle Bothma at the Robotics World Championships earlier in June, during which they were awarded the prestigious Innovation Award. In doing so they did not only flew the South African flag high, but also that of the NWU.
“The main aim of an initiative such as Robofest is to encourage learners to embrace science, technology, engineering and mathematics beyond the science class,” explains Malie Zeeman, lecturer and robotics expert at the campus. “Robofest SA provides an ideal platform from where the principles of physical science, computer programming skills, technology, applied mathematics and communication technologies can be taught. During the course of the national event learners design, construct and program their own robots – be it as individual participants or as a team.”
More about the Robofest Championship
The Robofest concept has taken the world by storm since its inception in 2000 and over 16 000 learners have competed in Robofest over the past 15 years – including teams from 13 American states, England, Canada, China, France, India, Brazil, South Korea, Mexico, Singapore and South Africa.
*This year marked the third time that the NWU hosted this prestigious event.
Brainiacs Ewald, Izabelle and Wilmar explain their winning concept.
