Atlas Copco supports robot competition team

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IBG - SA Instrumentation & Control Buyers' Guide

July 2019 News

When Atlas Copco became aware that Hoërskool Waterkloof´s robotic team, known as Fifth Order, was looking for assistance to compete at the First Tech Challenge (FTC) in the US, the company came to the fore.

FTC is an international competition, which sees students from Grade 7 to 12, work in teams to design, build, program and operate a robot, that will contend in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. The programme aims to develop learners’ science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills as well as enable them to practice engineering principles.

“Atlas Copco is always eager to assist communities and encourage an interest in mathematics and science amongst learners, so what better way to do this than to support a team from South Africa to represent us at the international FTC competition,” says group human resources manager, Wendy Buffa-Pace.

In October 2018, Fifth Order began with their preparation, designing and building their robot, Phoenix, programming it within Java using the LinearOpMode, as well as marketing the team and competition in the local Pretoria newspaper and on Facebook and radio. Fifth Order utilised TensorFlow’s advanced machine learning algorithms to program the required autonomies functions.

The innovative robot features a single mechanised extendable and retractable arm that is fitted with a collection unit to collect the game items and score points. The arm is also used to latch the robot to a hook from where it is lowered onto and off the playing field at the start and conclusion of the game. This is achieved by using a smart servo attached to the arm that opens and closes a latching mechanism. In the build-up to the international competition the team replaced Phoenix’s motors controlling the wheels and mechanised arm with stronger versions and refined the design of the collection unit.

The 2019 competition saw 160 teams from all over the world battle for the coveted title. The Fifth Order team finished 37 out of 80 in the Ochoa division. This is a great result considering that this was Fifth Order’s debut at this competition which is widely known across America.

For more information contact Wendy Buffa-Pace, Atlas Copco, +27 11 821 9800, [email protected], www.atlascopco.com

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Atlas Copco supports robot competition team