MakerSpace News

Projects

EMK, INF Projects and MVS Projects (Pictures )

3D printing is a well-established industrial technology for prototyping and manufacturing, with applications in multiple disciplines. Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing is the process of making a solid 3D object from a digital computer aided design (CAD) file. This is achieved by adding successive layers of material together until the final object has been created. Within the MakerSpace there is a focus on using Polyactic Acid (PLA), due its versatility as well as the biodegradable nature of the material. 3D printing then is different from traditional manufacturing methods like CNC machining, where instead of removing material from a solid block using rotating tools or cutters, 3D printing reduces wastage by producing an object with only the materials it requires.

In order to support students in applying additive manufacturing principles, the MakerSpace with the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, the Department of Informatics as well as the Department of Mechanical Engineering worked together to support teaching and learning by incorporating this innovative technology within the subjects Microcontrollers EMK 310, Information Systems INF 113 and Manufacturing Systems MVS 311. Several EMK students designed key components for robotic cars, including moving parts. This was then printed to specification and used to complete their relevant projects in microcontrollers. INF students were tasked with designing an advanced container with aesthetically pleasing looks as well as clear functionality for them to relate systems and technology outputs. MVS students designed their own necessary components and casings to house sensory technology and produce completed projects within the scope of their assignments.

This endeavour was conducted from March to May 2018, and we hope to further participate across disciplines with novel lecturers, on how to use 3D printing to move from the conception of an idea, to an actual completed physical object with relative ease. Thus, the Library MakerSpace aims to facilitate the design and development of a physical object through technology, to allow students, as well as academics to gain valuable problem-solving skills in a creative, hands-on way.

FIRST Global Robotics Mentorship (Pictures, Pictures 2)

FIRST Global is a 21st century response to a world need for an inspired generation of young adults who are ready to tackle global challenges. The goal is to ensure that there are capable and inspired youths by supporting them in pursuing fulfilling and rewarding lives through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). During 2018, a challenge to inspire youths titled “Energy Impact” was developed, requiring of students to think strategically on how to make the shift towards a cleaner and more efficient energy. Robot kits were provided to all teams which ensured that all teams were on equal standing and had access to the physical resources required to participate. The South African Team consisting of students from Hoërskool Uitsig in Centurion Gauteng went to Mexico in August 2018 to participate, and ranked 6^th globally out of 180 countries who participated in this challenge. Even more impressive is that they won The Walt Disney Award for Imagination and Creativity through a courageous journey in the World Robotic Olympics.

Our role as the MakerSpace is to inspire action through technology leadership and innovation in students. This is done to increase understanding of multidisciplinary research with technology, and it therefore made sense to partner with the FIRST Global Higher Education Network, as a support mechanism within the University of Pretoria to support STEM education for the South African team. This network is for prestigious institutions on the FIRST Global Higher Education Network Board, and as a partner we strive to further collaboration and cooperation to connect future innovators with institutions of higher education. The University of Pretoria’s MakerSpace then provided the South African team with technical advice and best practices. This included tasks associated with designing, building, and programming FIRST Global robots as well as certain areas or strategic actions which would produce pleasant results. More important, though, was to establish a conduit between FIRST Global and technical education. This was the first collaboration of this nature, and we hope to further alumni education in STEM. As mentors then, training and guidance was provided to help the team along a solutions path. The outcome of this partnership was to play a role in the South African team’s great achievement, and as mentors there is no greater pleasure. This partnership establishment and mentorship creation could not have been possible without the team leads Roxanne Reddy and Wernich van Staden, who provided the guidance in team building as well as creating the linkage with the higher education network.

The mentorship team from University of Pretoria included Sean Kruger (MakerSpace coordinator), and students from various backgrounds including Andre Francois Labuschagne (Electronic Engineering), Anika Steen (Computer Engineering), Caleb Muteba Tshionza (Electronic Engineering), Hanno Cilliers (Electronic Engineering), Jacobus Christoffel du Plessis (Electronic Engineering) and Riaan Fourie (Computer Engineering). We look forward to working together to drive and develop the future leaders of tomorrow.

Skull Print for Research (Pictures 2)

In order to assist innovation and transdisciplinary research, the MakerSpace worked with a researcher on his investigations into how dentistry can be improved with technology such as 3D printing. The technology has a particular resonance within dentistry, thanks to computer aided design (CAD) and modelling technologies such as cone beam computed tomography and intraoral scanning. There have been several cases of CAD CAM technologies in dentistry but further application, especially in a South African context is required. Scans were cleaned by the MakerSpace and printed to specification, allowing for on-going research in this exciting field.

Visual Aid Project (Poster, Pictures)

Over the past several months, the MakerSpace has worked closely with an ingenious lecturer, Dr. R. Punchoo, to develop best methods and practices by using 3D technologies in new ways.

This collaboration allowed us as the MakerSpace to work across disciplines and aid a visually impaired student. The images used were derived from prescribed readings in the field of Human Physiology, and were, through several tested techniques, adapted for easier use and eligibility in physical form. Methods in the 3-D print design employed tracing, computer aided design (CAD) software, mechanical reproduction with the printers, and finally braille-labelling. A legend was created in order to follow the tagged graphs to allow audio-feedback. The student, tutor and lecturer were interviewed for feedback and confirmed revision areas required for 3-D print amendments.

By making the human physiology imagery legible in physical form, key concepts aligned to studying strategies could be deployed, to allow teaching and assessment. The 3-D print production was cost-effective and sponsored by the MakerSpace for this fantastic initiative. Thus, teaching and assessment of visually impaired students can be supported by 3-D print technology, and we hope through collaboration and further support that these prints will be used to develop a digital repository that can permit electronic sharing of not only human physiology imagery, but of various other disciplines as well.

This was presented at the SAAHE 2018 conference and was awarded as one of the best posters. With overall integration of technologies in teaching and learning, the MakerSpace, with key academics can continue to pursue more such endeavours, to not only enhance teaching and learning, but also facilitate research in new and ground-breaking ways. We would like to thank the Disability Unit for providing the Braille labeller, and the Institute of the Blind for the required tape to produce the legends in braille.

Mapping Simulation and 3D Rendering

The potential benefits of using 3D content in supporting students to understand difficult concepts has not yet been fully realised across all subject disciplines, although there are some which are actively engaging their students in 3D content and it is certainly a growing interest area. Simulation allows learners to experience artefacts or resources that aren't normally available to them, whether it be due to their being in an inaccessible location or the item being in a fragile condition. They can also explore and view resources at the same time, creating discussion and a sharing of ideas, when in reality only one resource may be available.

In geography, maps with their corresponding topologies are not always easily understood. To improve this understanding, physical models have been created in the past. However, this is time consuming and not easily distributed amongst all learners. By scanning these models, they can now be easily distributed and preserved. Other maps are also currently being developed for practical engagement and experiments to provide an interactive platform an enable the analysis of various situations. Thus, these environments in their virtual form can aid in the learning process.

Events in the MakerSpace

Xbox Competition Pitching and Handover (12 April Pitch sessions, Xbox handover)

During April 2018 the MakerSpace in collaboration with Microsoft hosted an innovation challenge on how to use technology in an innovative way within students’ studies. This was done by challenging students to showcase how to use Microsoft products in the way they study and work. This was one method to develop work readiness. The drive behind this was to ensure awareness of the availability of this technology, which is provided to all registered staff and students. In order to develop and support student’s in this effort, collaboration sessions were held with Microsoft on installations and configuration. Certain examples were also shown to provide students with potential areas of application. The participants created videos and presented their ideas, which were astounding. The winner, Mr. Graeme Ford, won for his usages and integration of OneNote in his classroom environment and content management. He was handed his Xbox towards the end of May. We hope to have many more such challenges to reward innovation, dedication and hard work.

Arduino training (2 May and 22 May)

The Department of Library Services' MakerSpace had training sessions on basic circuitry using Arduino, irrespective of their field of discipline; or level of expertise. The workshop reviewed basics of configuring circuitry for application in multiple fields and was a starting point in guiding students to apply this technology within their research, studies or even hobbies.

3D Printing training (18 May)

The Department of Library Services’ MakerSpace had training sessions on 3D printing fundamentals and its role in the rapid prototyping of ideas and concepts. 3D printing is changing the way we produce objects, from tools and toys, to food, and even body parts. It's a tech revolution taking place in homes across the world. But how does it work exactly, and what makes it so efficient? The training reviewed this as well as basic processes we follow, types of plastics we use, as well as what is possible in this exciting field. Certain examples were showcased as to how it can be used in the research environment.

EWB Session (18 May, Pictures)

Engineers without borders (EWB) is an initiative to assist and to teach students how technology can better the lives of the community. On the 18^th of May, one such session was hosted, as part of a series, to further drive these skills and alleviate poverty across Africa through STEM.

Department of Taxation training session (29 May 2018, Pictures)

The Department of Taxation and MakerSpace facilitated various sessions, where students could engage and teach fellow students key areas of taxation that affect their businesses. This was in support of entrepreneurial development and key readiness for any area or stage of their concept, whether it be start-up to fully functional operation. To encompass these several areas, various areas of taxation were covered, from provisional taxation to Value Added Taxation (VAT).

IOW Lecture (20 August)

On the 20^th of August a lecture on technology and Industry 4.0 was presented to the IOW students. The lecture was presented by Mr. Sean Kruger, to showcase how the MakerSpace is a key area in which to develop and acquire skills with which technology, especially technologies of Industry 4.0, can be applied to integrate the digital world with the physical one. This is of particular relevance to multimedia, as there are increasing demands to blend the digital realm using virtual reality, augmented reality, visualisation and 3D printing with life through various platforms.