AlgoAtWork Robotics Academy is a dedicated institution that focuses on grooming junior coders to build innovative prototypes that can revolutionize the country's future. We are committed to solving pressing issues that have plagued society for far too long, even though we are situated in a third-world country. Our ambitious and forward-thinking approach is embedded in the minds of our junior engineers and students, to inspire them to think big and push the boundaries of what is possible.
Our philosophy revolves around empowering our students to overcome any obstacles they may encounter, even if resources and software may be inaccessible. We firmly believe that limitations should not hinder progress, and instead, we aim to instill a can-do attitude that encourages our students to build whatever they can imagine. We foster a mindset of innovation and encourage our students to embrace failure as part of the learning process. We forget what resources we cannot get access to and build them!
At AlgoAtWork Robotics Academy, our lessons are tailored to help students unlock their full potential and maximize their creativity. We provide our students with the necessary tools and knowledge to create impactful solutions that can address the challenges facing our society.
Alex Dodd, our Junior Coder is working on his prototype which is a Colour Sorter Conveyor belt that is typically used in industrial settings to sort and separate items based on their colour. As objects move along the conveyor belt, they are scanned by sensors that detect their colour and sort them into chutes based on the programmed criteria
His prototype has developed a new business model that is unique for domestic markets, micro, and small business programmable Arduino-driven Colour, and Counting Sorter. This prototype programmable colour sorter is powered by an open-source Arduino microcomputer that can be programmed by anyone for many different applications and used, to solve societal problems such as sorting out recyclable bottle tops, bread tags, coffee pods, beads, etc.
Overall, colour sorter conveyor belts can help increase efficiency, accuracy, and consistency in sorting processes, leading to better product quality and increased productivity.
During a dark time in our country, where we experienced a Global pandemic, Corona Virus in 2019, Guiliana Wright who is our Brand Ambassador and Junior Coder at AlgoAtWork Robotics Academy, built and developed smart social distance glasses designed to sense and alert the individual wearing the glasses if they are standing too close to them. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this prototype would have been a great help especially to medical professionals dealing with sick patients every day, to prevent the spread of the disease and it can be used for any disease/virus that spreads through human contact.
Guiliana also has developed a Wind Power Cooking Technology that seeks to develop a renewable energy device that generates electricity by harnessing the power of the wind for outlying rural areas. The product is a wind turbine that will use the wind to generate power that will be stored in a battery on-site. main reasons the product is valid for the community are as follows:
Cooking hot meals
Ensuring there is sufficient lighting and other general power requirements (e.g., to allow children to do homework, etc.)
The software component of the product is where the battery is housed and will be storing the electricity. The battery has a trip switch for limiting the generation of power when the battery is full. It will restart when the battery reaches certain power levels (e.g., 50% charged).
Back in March 2021, Our Junior Coders and Engineers Adelaide Hendrickse and Alex Dodd worked on the concept of a Smart City powered by Arduino which refers to a city that uses advanced technologies and data analytics to improve the quality of life for its citizens, enhance sustainability, and optimize urban services and infrastructure.
Smart cities integrate various systems, including transportation, energy, waste management, public safety, and communication networks, to create a more efficient and interconnected city. By utilizing advanced sensors, data analytics, and other technologies, smart cities can improve traffic flow, reduce energy consumption, improve public safety, and better manage resources. They worked on this concept during a Hackathon by NEMISA over one weekend.
Some key features of a smart city include:
1. Intelligent transportation systems: Smart cities incorporate technology to manage traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve public transportation systems.
2. Smart energy systems: Smart cities use technology to manage energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.
3. Smart waste management: Smart cities utilize technology to manage waste disposal and recycling more efficiently.
4. Public safety and security: Smart cities incorporate advanced surveillance systems and data analytics to improve public safety and emergency response times.
5. Citizen engagement: Smart cities involve citizens in decision-making processes and use technology to facilitate citizen engagement and participation.
A Smart City would be game-changing in our country however with electricity power cuts being on the rise and Loadshedding hitting areas at least 4 times a day, this concept is met with a challenge. The concept of a smart city is not limited to technology but also involves social and environmental aspects, such as community involvement, sustainable development, and the promotion of a healthy and livable urban environment.
We continue to train youth to respond to the problems we have in South Africa with not just rage but with solutions that will help us solve issues and make life easier. The work of AlgoAtWork Robotics Academy is essential in training and equipping South African youth with the skills and mindset necessary to solve the problems facing their communities. By fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving, the academy is creating a generation of problem-solvers who are reactive and proactive in addressing the country's challenges. Ultimately, this approach is vital for the future of South Africa, as it enables the youth to contribute to the development of a better society for all.