Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Student Name
Sivashani Pather
Study Leader Name
Prof. Farouk Smith
Final Year Project Title
Design of a microcontroller integrated snake robot
Project Summary
The project involves a microcontroller integrated snake robot interfaced with an Android
application. A user may operate the twelve segment snakebot via an Android application in two
modes, namely manual and autonomous, where autonomous motion is achieved with the use of POZYX
Creator Devices allowing the snakebot to move towards a specified location autonomously.
Student's future plans
“In the upcoming year I hope to enter the industrial working world as a BEng Mechatronic
graduate whilst pursuing a Masters in Mechatronic Engineering. I then plan to achieve a
Professional Engineering qualification while gaining as much technical knowledge and experience
in both industry and the academic field.”
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North-West University
Student Name
Armandt Viljoen
Study Leader Name
Mr Piet van Huyssteen
Final Year Project Title
Leather Perforating Controller
Project Summary
A disparity exists between traditional leather working equipment and industrial machinery. The
developed leather perforator addresses the need for a machine that provides versatile
functionality over traditional equipment without the cost of an industrial perforator. Designed
to be modular and scalable, similar to that of popular 3D-printers and CNC machines.
Student's future plans
“Mark Twain said: “A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” Consequently, I will
find a place where I can work alongside good people that share my love for creating new and
exciting things. Doing so, I certainly will smile knowing that my contributions were
noteworthy.”
Stellenbosch University
Student Name
Marisa du Plessis
Study Leader Name
Dr Rensu Theart
Final Year Project Title
A Variable Pressure Cushioning System to Prevent Pressure Ulcers in Wheelchair User
Project Summary
Pressure ulcers are caused by prolonged pressure on skin, commonly when confined to a
wheelchair. Ulcers interfere with functional recovery and cause infection. To prevent ulcers
within wheelchair users, a targeted, varying-pressure control system was implemented in the
cushion. High-pressure regions are reduced, allowing unobstructed blood flow in the skin.
Student's future plans
“I am in the fortunate position of being employed as a Junior Aerospace Engineer at CubeSpace
Satellite Systems RF (Pty) Ltd, starting in 2022. My responsibilities will include product and
Attitude Determination and Control Subsystem (ADCS) bundle assembly, integration, and testing,
as well as customer support.”
University of Cape Town
Student Name
Lucy Wills
Study Leader Name
Dr Jack Fletcher
Final Year Project Title
Green LPG – cooking test design and demonstration
Project Summary
The negative impacts of wood and coal requires cooking fuel alternatives. Green LPG (gLPG) can
contribute to cleaner cooking fuel usage. Stove type has a higher impact on performance than
fuel type and a difference exists between propane and butane. DME can increase fuel consumption
while decreasing efficiency.
Student's future plans
“I intend to complete a Master's programme in the coming year, with a focus on growing my
engineering knowledge towards a sustainable development application. Hopefully, this will
translate to a career in informing governmental policy, participating in the development of
strong South African institutions and sustainable systems development across Africa.”
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University of Johannesburg
Student Name
Rebeccah Malapane
Study Leader Name
Prof. Lagouge Tartibu
Final Year Project Title
Development of a Smart Weed Detector and Herbicide Sprayer
Project Summary
Conventional weed control strategies consist of spraying herbicides in agricultural fields.
However, they are intimately associated with enormous herbicides utilization, ecological issues,
and agrochemical residues on food products. Thus, a Smart Weed Detector and Herbicide Sprayer
were developed. The system was trained to identify specific weeds and spray herbicide on desired
spots.
Student's future plans
In the words of Abraham Lincoln, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” My future
entails completing my Master’s degree, with a focus on Convolutional Neural Networks. I want to
grow in my career and make a name for myself at SBSA, where I’ll be working.
University of Pretoria
Student Name
Angelo Rossi
Study Leader Name
Prof. Johan Labuschagné
Final Year Project Title
A facile dropwise deposition of MgCoAl- and MgFeAl-LDH on heat- and chemically activated carbon
fabric for electrochemical capacitor electrodes
Project Summary
Capacitive performance enhancement via heat and chemical activation methods of layered double
hydroxide (LDH) deposited carbon fabric electrochemical capacitor electrodes was investigated. A
novel and facile LDH ethanol suspension dropwise deposition technique was explored and compared
to in-situ deposition. Specific capacities were estimated using cyclic voltammetry and surface
characterisation was performed using SEM.
Student's future plans
“I plan to complete repeat experimental work for my project prior to publishing early next year.
I am in the process of seeking postgraduate funding opportunities in Switzerland and Germany
where I plan to continue working on energy storage devices. I intend to perform
industrial/commercial research and development once I complete my studies.”
University of the Witswatersrand
Student Name
Mufaro Gomera
Study Leader Name
Prof. Yunus Ballim
Final Year Project Title
An automated method for infrastructure inspection
Project Summary
Inspection of structures is an important aspect to maintain our infrastructure. However, this
method is undertaken by specialists, and it is slow and tedious. Hence, an automated method is
proposed that uses artificial intelligence (AI). The proposed method is fast, accurate and
robust provided the model is adequately trained.
Student's future plans
“This project has inspired me to further my studies as I would want to enrol for a master’s
degree next year. The aim is to extend the scope of the research by developing an AI model that
can detect all defects on all materials. Furthermore, it should also analyse videos.”
