Two learners from Mpumalanga have won the 2018 HIP2B2 3M Innovation Challenge for designing a fire rescue robot.
The HIP2B2 Innovation Challenge aims to unearth the best technological and innovative ideas using 3M's Sciences Applied to Life philosophy as the benchmark for all entries.
According to 3M, fire-fighters undoubtedly play a crucial role in emergencies, but their job places them in dangerous situations, and in worst case scenarios, they become causalities in the course of carrying out their duties.
It points out that the most recent memory of this is the incident in Johannesburg, where fire-fighters lost their lives while on duty putting out a fire at the Bank of Lisbon building in the city centre. That incident put a spotlight on the dangers associated with the job.
It is such tragic circumstances that inspired the winners of the 2018 HIP2B2 3M Innovation Challenge: Trevor Simelane, a Grade 9 learner, and Joseph Mdluli, Grade 10, at Mandlesive Secondary School, in Kanyamazane, Mpumalanga.
The pair designed what they refer to as a fire rescue robot. The finals of the competition were held last week at 3M's offices in Woodmead.
The robot is aimed at making the lives of fire-fighters safer and will play an important role in reducing the deaths of people affected by the fire.
Simelane and Mdluli say this invention has the capability to get inside dangerous burning buildings and search for trapped people while at the same time extinguishing the fire.
"The advantages of our fire rescue robot extend to absorbing smoke in burning buildings and can provide oxygen for people who have just been rescued from the fire," explains Simelane.
According to the young innovators, the robot is designed to find the fire before it rages out of control. It can also detect obstacles in places with limited visibility due to smoke.
"One of the other advantages of a robot is that it can safely go to places that are risky for humans; there are no risks of suffocating, getting lung and respiratory damage or burns and injuries from the building collapsing. It is built to absorb pressure and deliver results within a short period," says Mdluli.
The challenge is the brainchild of 3M and HIP2B2, and is designed to inspire innovation in everyday life. It is backed by the national Department of Basic Education.
"We spark an interest and curiosity in maths and science, and inspire school learners to spend time on these subjects at school. We show learners that these subjects are fun, and through a well-structured educational programme such as the HIP2B2 3M Innovation Challenge, we want to unlock the inner innovator of each learner," says Cathryn Payne, MD of HIP2B2.
HIP2B2 was founded in 2002 to promote the study of maths, science and technology-related subjects to develop problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. The competition also encourages learners to be entrepreneurial.
"3M is committed to nurturing the future innovators of our country. Ultimately, through the HIP2B2 3M Innovation Challenge, we would like to create an entrepreneurial mindset, develop our human capital and create a skilled workforce focusing on the critical skills shortage that is key to South Africa's future economic prosperity," concludes Devan Pillay, MD of 3M South Africa.
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