The Helderberg Robotics Club has achieved a remarkable feat, claiming double gold at the South African leg of the World Robot Olympiad in September and securing their place to represent the country at the world championships in Singapore.
The RoboSport competition challenged teams to design autonomous robots capable of playing “double tennis”, using computer vision to track balls and strategically kick them over barriers without human control. Team Titans, comprising Connor Crotz and Eben Gelderblom, claimed the gold medal in a thrilling final match, while teammates Daniel and Benjamin Lavies secured bronze with their Team Misery Business entry.
The Future Engineers category proved even more spectacular for the Helderberg contingent, with local teams achieving a clean sweep of all three podium positions. This challenge required participants to design self-driving vehicles capable of navigating complex racing circuits, detecting and avoiding obstacles in real-
time, and executing precise parallel parking maneuvers. Team NullPointException, featuring Michael Shepstone and Siobhan Kennedy, took the gold medal, followed by Team TMFE’s Raaid Fajandar and Josua Bezuidenhout claiming silver, and Team Viper’s Jadon Steele and Pieter Erasmus earning bronze. Both gold medal-winning teams, Team Titans and Team NullPointException, will represent SA at the World Robot Olympiad International finals in Singapore from Wednesday 26 to Friday 28 November.
The teams often worked with second-hand Raspberry Pi boards and modified cameras, relying on determination and creativity rather than high-tech equipment or major sponsorships.
Helderberg Robotics Club chairperson Dr Tony Williams emphasised the potential these young innovators represent for SA’s technological future. The club is actively seeking community support and sponsorship.
To support or learn more, visit www.helderbergrobotics.co.za. Alternatively, contact Williams via email on [email protected].
You must be logged in to post a comment.