Ward 68 youth claim top spot, R20k prize at makerthon

IT was a great victory for the Battalion Youth Development Centre in ward 68, who won the top spot and a grand prize of R20 000 at their first robotics makerthon.

The makerthon, which was facilitated by the AlgoAtWork Robotics Academy, formed part of the KZN Innovtech Expo 2022, held at the Durban University of Technology’s Ritson Campus recently.

Makerthon (making and marathon)is a new format to create not only new ideas for products, but also to realise physical prototypes within 48 hours.

Jadean Wright, the secretary of the centre, said they were given a problem and needed to create a solution.

“The problem was based on the transport industry, such as trucks that were affected by the rioting and looting along with hijackings that took place. We had to create a solution that solved that problem, and would also help the economy.

“Our solution was a smart cargo container. We found that one of the problems we are faced with in the province is that there aren’t proper security and communication systems put in place for truck drivers and the cargo they have to deliver. We had come up with some ideas to solve this problem,” she said.

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Wright said some of their ideas were to include a fingerprint system where only the person receiving the cargo will be able to access it, a GPS tracking on the truck, motion sensors at the back of the truck that will detect if anybody is in close proximity, as well as magnetic field, tilt switch, and fire sensors.

“We narrowed our ideas down to include a GPS system, a fire detector, and a motion detector. These systems will ensure that drivers will be safe from danger and tracked at all times.

“It will also benefit the economy as well as increase the clarity on tracking and locating goods, increase visibility and transparency in operations, decrease the risk of hijacking, and decrease the risk of being stuck in an accident,” she said.

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Wright said, using their ideas, they then created a prototype.

“We created a prototype that will ensure that we prevent this major problem from not only getting worse, but rather come up with a solution to make things safer and more efficient for our drivers to ensure that they are giving us the best service delivery.

“We included a GPS tracking system that would be able to locate where the truck is at all times. We also included a fire sensor that alerts the driver by a buzzing sound to ensure that he can get to safety and we have a motion detector in place at the back of the truck. We felt that the system would have a great impact on improving the current situation at hand. It provides security and reassurance to the driver and company,” she said.

Wright encouraged more youth to participate in such events.

“We want to encourage all youth in our community to take a great step of faith in life. We are the future, so it is up to us to create solutions to our problems. It is not about who you are and where you come from in life, but it is about where you are going,” she said.

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