Technology Station: Adaptronics Advanced m anufacturing Technology l aboratory

(CP u T Adaptronics A m T l )

Prof Oscar Philander

The AMTL team comprises Prof O Philander (Director), Mr E Erfort (Operations Manager) and Mr M Riddles (Technical Manager). Focus area leaders are Prof G Oliver (Ocean Engineering), Prof M M’Rithaa (Universal Design), Dr A Nemraui (Adaptronics) and Ms F Harris (Automotive Technologies). Technical staff are Mr L Matshoba, Mr D Muller, Mr C Onochi, Mr D Wright, Mr G Coetzee and Mr J Cairns. Workshop staff are Mr K Lategan, Mr R Busch and Mr R Arendse.

The CPUT Adaptronics AMTL was established in 2007 by Prof Oscar Philander. 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 technology that integrates sensor and actuator functions into materials, components and structures so that they may react to environment stimuli, thus making them intelligent.

DEDAT of the Western Cape Provincial Government provided grant funding to establish the CPUT

Adaptronics AMTL, and the DST through the AMTS (now the TIA) provided grant funding for capital equipment purchases. Based on the technology’s activities, innovation, and successes of the CPUT

Adaptronics AMTL, it was officially incorporated into the TIA’s Technology Station programme in March 2013, and became the 18th Technology Station in South Africa. A new vision and mission for the unit was formulated, focusing primarily on developing human capital in scarce skills with a specific drive towards innovation, technology and commercialisation for South Africa’s engineering industry.

There are five research and technology focus areas of specialisation:

• adaptronic Technology: Research and technology projects into the development of intelligent structures, MEMS and nanosensing devices

• Unmanned Platforms: Research and technology development of nano, micro, mini, and close/short range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for both military and civilian applications

• automotive Technologies: Research and technology projects related to motorsport and alternative/green propulsion systems (Formula Student competition)

• ocean engineering: Research and technology projects related to maritime applications

• Universal Design: Technology projects providing access to physically challenged individuals (Nicky’s Drive research simulator and demonstrator)

Driving dreams

More South africans living with disabilities could soon be taking to the road in customised adapted vehicles. The TIa’s aMTL has designed and built africa’s first vehicle simulator that will open a world of affordable driving opportunities for disabled persons. The simulator will facilitate the design of an adapted vehicle by replicating the driving environment of people with disabilities and allowing engineers to test the vehicle in a controlled environment.

Robohand teams up with CPuT

f our simple elements – cables, screws, thermoplastic and a 3D printer – are set to change the lives of many people living without hands or fingers.

r obohand is a Johannesburg-based organisation that creates 3D printed prosthetic hands at a fraction of the cost of standard prostheses.

CPUT’s a MTL has teamed up with a local teacher, Mr Ian Pells, to promote this project in the Western Cape. r obohand was invented by Mr r ichard van a s after he lost four fingers in an accident in 2011. r ealising the cost of traditional prosthetics, he worked with a merican designer Mr Ivan o wen to develop the device. a ccording to Mr Van a s, a glove-like covering is fitted in thermoplastic, and fingers are then created on a 3D printer by melting and stacking plastic to make Lego-like digits that are connected to the glove with cables and screws. f or more information on the project, visit www.designchanginglives.com

Mr Pells, who teaches at the frank Joubert art Centre in Newlands, came across the concept in 2013 and realised it could benefit some of his learners living with disabilities. He has since formed a partnership with CPUT’s aMTL to explore how the project can be expanded. according to aMTL’s Mr Gerhard Coetzee, the team’s vision is to set up a 3D printing facility in Cape Town to make robohand available in the Western Cape.

Ms Nicky abdinor, who runs Nicky’s Drive, an organisation which raises funds for vehicle adaptations in South africa and who inspired the project, had the opportunity to test the simulator at CPUT. Born without arms and with shortened legs, Nicky currently drives a specially adapted vehicle that was developed in the UK. Nicky said she was excited about the possibilities the simulator holds, as the high cost of conversions has prevented access to adapted vehicles in South africa.

“The ability to drive a modified vehicle not only provides the freedom that we so often take for granted, but it also enables people with disabilities to develop their self-confidence and contribute to society through their work and family life.”

Innovators Mr Gerhard Coetzee and Mr Cyprian onochie said the finished product surpassed their expectations. “We ended up developing a set of new technologies within a space of two years. for us, this is a real accomplishment,” said Mr onochie. The simulator features an electric joystick steering system, a touch screen, foot controller, electric switching for gears and breaks, as well as electronic pedals for acceleration and braking. The project was initiated by Prof Mugendi M’rithaa and Prof oscar Philander, and was selected to be part of the WDC 2014 programme.