University of Pretoria students show off robotics skills
The University of Pretoria last week hosted its Tuks Robot Race Day, which saw more than 70 autonomous robotic vehicles take to the track to compete for the top spot.
Now in its seventh year, the event, co-ordinated by the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, has grown in leaps and bounds, with more students getting involved and showcasing their innovation, computing, programming and engineering skills, the university says.
Professor Tania Hanekom, function head for undergraduate studies at the University of Pretoria, says providing world-class education to students is what the university strives for across all departments and the Robot Race Day is just one of the ways education is enhanced.
“Our annual Robot Car Race provides a platform to stimulate curiosity and creativity, which is crucial for the innovation and entrepreneurship that a career in engineering demands,” says Hanekom.
“The project guides aspiring engineers through a carefully planned process to develop a fundamental set of engineering skills, which include hardware and software design skills, systems integration skills, the ability to work and function in a team, time management skills, perseverance and the good old indispensable ‘engineering gut feeling’ which comes only with experience in the execution of engineering projects.”
She adds the educational objectives of the Robot Race Day are strongly supported by the university’s partnerships with industry, which provide the necessary resources to maintain this flagship event.
“On behalf of the students and the engineering faculty, I would like to thank RS Components South Africa for assisting us with the various components, batteries and support over the years. We look forward to future engagements with RS.”
Read the full story on: IT Web.