PROJECT F: COLLABORATION WITH THE VWSA-DAAD INTERNATIONAL CHAIR IN AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING AND GMSA CHAIR IN MECHATRONICS

NMU desires to facilitate increased innovation and international competitiveness of the integrated Motor Manufacturing Industry (MMI) in the Eastern Cape. The VWSA-DAAD International Chair in Automotive Engineering was established at NMU in 2007. The purpose of the Chair is to assist in the establishment of New Research and Development trends, opportunities and initiatives within the field of Materials and Manufacturing Technology The GMSA Chair in Mechatronics was established in 2009 at NMU. The purpose of the GMSA Chair is to assist in the establishment of New Research and Development trends, opportunities and initiatives within the field of Mechatronics. The project objectives are to provide research capacity in the field of new or improved Mechatronic systems for automated manufacturing processes and system technology; identify applications for new technologies; and liaise and collaborate with PE College to facilitate Mechatronic teaching and learning.

The objective of this project is that the MERSETA Chair in Engineering Development needs to play a strategic role to strengthen the capacity in the VWSA-DAAD International Chair in Automotive Engineering and the GMSA Chair in Mechatronics at the NMU.

The projects that were identified between the Chairs are:

  1. Design and manufacture a Process Control Unit, in conjunction with the VWSA/DAAD Chair, AIDC and Siemens SA. It is the intension to implement the completed hardware in the Technical High Schools as illustrated in Project G. The image below shows the concept designed by student Ian van Niekerk.
     
    Image 1
  2. Upgrade of a "Soccer Machine" that was designed and manufactured by eight engineering students to take part in the National Siemens Cyberjunkyard Competition.  The upgrade will include the implimentation of alternate energy for the equipment.  The machine will be utilized at Open Day exibitions to showcase engineering projects to High Schools.