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Informatics & DesignTIA Adaptronics Advanced Manufacturing Technology Laboratory
The TIA Adaptronics Advanced Manufacturing Technology Laboratory (Adaptronics AMTL) was established in 2007. The primary objective of the unit is to specialise as a national manufacturing, research and educational resource centre for Adaptronic Technologies in South Africa.
Adaptronics is the technology that integrates sensor and actuator functions into materials, components and structures so that they may react to environment stimuli thus making them intelligent.
Based on the technology activities, innovation, and successes of the CPUT Adaptronics AMTL, it was officially incorporated into the Technology Innovation Agency’s Technology Station programme in March 2013, and became the 18th Technology Station in South Africa.
Vision
- To be at the heart of Technology Education, Research and Innovation in Africa for Africa.
- To establish an empowering environment that supports the development of socially responsive and accomplished Technologists and Engineers through work-integrated learning based on mutually beneficial partnerships with industry and the community.
Mission
- To develop and sustain an empowering environment where, through teaching, learning, research and scholarship our students and staff, in partnership with the community and industry, are able to create and apply knowledge that contributes to development:
- Create opportunities for students to apply knowledge in real-life situations
- Contribute to socio-economic development
- Facilitate the integration of community engagement activities with teaching, learning and research in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
The unit focuses on the following research areas: These areas form the foundation of the Adaptronics AMTL’s Human Capital Development Programme, and include student R&T projects ranging from Internships, Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral and Post-Doctoral activities. Three of the focus areas are currently headed by CPUT staff members, namely: The AMTL also has a dedicated staff of Technologist, Technicians, and Artisans involved in industry related activities ranging from design, prototyping, testing, and process and programme development. Since its inception, the TIA Adpatronics AMTL has been involved in 42 Contract Research and Development and Research and Technology projects for South African Industries. These industries span sectors such as Oil and Gas, Boat Building and Ship Repair, Textiles, Bio-Medical, Automotive, etc. The nature of these interventions included prototyping of new and existing products, reverse engineering, steel fabrication and manufacture, materials testing, and numerical analyses and testing. The unit’s partnerships include variety of Large Companies, SMME’s, Regional and National Government Departments, South African Research Facilities, as well as other Universities. These include the the Western Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Environmental Affairs, the Technology Innovation Agency, AIRBUS (Pty) Ltd, DENEL UAV Systems, DENEL Optronics, Solid State Technologies, the South African Kart Racing Academy, CSIR/DPSS Landward Sciences, the South African Navy, Institute for Maritime Technology, NRF/Ithemba Labs.
CPUT Adaptronics AMTL, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Bellville Campus
Research and Technology focus areas of specialisation
Industry Contract Research
Partnerships
Contact Details
Staff
Name
Designation
Contact Details
Prof Oscar Philander
Director
Tel: +27 21 953 8436
Email:
Mr Eugene Erfort
Operations Manager
Tel: +27 21 953 8652
Email:
Mr Mornay Riddles
Technical Manager
Email:
Chantal Rensburg
Secretary
Tel: +27 21 953 8435
Email:
Leigh-Anne Davids
Administrator
Tel: +27 21 953 8435
Email:
UAV-SysCo (Pty) Ltd
UAV SysCo (Pty) Ltd is a South African Black Economic Empowerment company operating as an Original Equipment Manufacturer that will develop, manufacture and market Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) used for Information, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (missions to suit Commercial Safety and Security Operators as well as Military applications).
The company will develop a manufacturing capability for Micro and Mini UAS’s in South Africa, based on a core of South African developed intellectual property. The opportunity originated from the successful development of a demonstrator UAS by the TIA Adaptronics Advanced Manufacturing Technology Laboratory (AMTL) at CPUT. The company will operate in a cooperation partnership with the TIA Adaptronics AMTL at CPUT, the latter acting as the innovation and technology transfer partner as well as the future hub to support the enhancement of the lower tier supply chains. UAV SysCo (Pty) Ltd targets Safety and Security Operators (Civil and Military) in South African, African and other International UAS markets. Currently, the South African and African segments have the highest market potential. The company leverages their competitive edge, which is based on quick Micro and Mini UAS development, ease of configuring UAS’s for specific mission objectives based on innovation and technology and price competitiveness. The first edge is ensured by use of rapid product design and development coupled with an all composite airframe developed from a well-established resin infusion process that provides light weight and strength for a demanding aviation industry. The second edge lies in the systems integration of customer identified OEM components such as Payloads and Flight Control Systems for specific mission objectives, while ensuring low cost with quality remaining the premium commodity. UAV SysCo (Pty) Ltd ensures its customers are provided with adequate training and spare parts with quick turn-around times ensuring constant operation of their UAS’s Dr Oscar Philander
More information
Company vision
Company mission
Services
Contact UAV-SysCo (Pty) Ltd
CEO & Director: Research and Innovation
Tel: +27 953 8435
Email:
Formula Student
Formula Student is one of the world’s premier inter-university challenges and annually attracts thousands of students from across the globe.
The competition requires students to build a single-seater, open cockpit, formula style racing car, which they race at the Silvertsone Circuit in the UK during July. The competition aims to inspire and develop enterprising young engineers. CPUT made their debut at the Formula Student event in 2012 and returned in 2014. CPUT is set to compete once again in next year’s event. The Formula Student team, Cape Speed, was established under the mentorship of CPUT staff in the TIA Adaptronics AMTL unit, which is based in the Mechanical Engineering Department. The aim is to equip Mechanical Engineering students with the skills to become Formula One engineers in South Africa. In 2012, with their car named “Ibhubezi”, the team made history when they became the first team from Africa to complete the strict 4-day period of scrutineering and finish the endurance event. The team placed 66th out of over 100 universities from all over the world. Work on the car began in 2013 when students conceptualised their design using state-of-the-art 3D-design programmes at the university’s Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre. The new car “Prins”, built using lightweight composite materials, was finally completed in 2014 and shipped to the UK. The team competed and placed 45th out of over 100 universities, a 21 place improvement from the previous attempt. The video below shows a mock-up of the 2014 car. Cape Speed is currently recruiting students in the following fields: Marketing, PR, Videography, Graphic Design, Web Design and Professional Cookery. Being part of the team and competing in this competition will set any student apart from the rest, as this competition is highly regarded in industry. The best students, from universities from all over the world compete at this competition, in many academic fields. All active and contributing team members will join the team at the competition in the United Kingdom. See details of each position below. Responsibilities and duties: Prerequisites: Closing date: Wednesday – 07 October 2015 Responsibilities and duties: Prerequisites: Closing date: Wednesday – 14 September 2015 Responsibilities and duties: Prerequisites: Closing date: Wednesday – 14 September 2015 Responsibilities and duties: Prerequisites: Closing date: Wednesday – 14 September 2015 Responsibilities and duties: Prerequisites: Closing date: Wednesday – 14 September 2015 All interested students are requested to submit their CV and a short motivation to Students at all levels, and from all Faculties, are encouraged to become part of the team. To find out how you can become part of this exciting venture drop a mail to
More information
Cape Speed Team 2012
Cape Speed Team 2014
How to become part of the Cape Speed team
Marketing
Public Relations
Videography (Film and Video Technology)
Graphic Design
Hospitality - Professional Cookery
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