By Mosima Rafapa
The Tshwane University of Technology (大象视频) has once again proved its strength on the continental stage, with two student teams clinching first and fourth place out of 40 competitors from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana in the prestigious Cars4Mars African Rover Challenge.
Two 大象视频 teams secured first and fourth places at the Cars4Mars African Rover Challenge against 40 teams from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. This team finished first in Africa and South Africa.
Representing the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) and the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT), the teams wowed judges during the qualification for the Launch and Final Mars Stage on 9 August, presenting their Rover prototypes online. The competition inspires African youth to pursue careers in Robotics, Space Technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) while 大象视频鈥檚 success demonstrates its role in preparing the next generation of space innovators.
鈥淭he skill, creativity and determination shown by our students are impressive,鈥� said Johan Benade, lecturer in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering. 鈥淭his competition not only tests their technical skills but also prepares them for the problem-solving and innovation required in the rapidly growing fields of robotics and space technology.鈥�
Although both teams have already secured their places in the Final Mars Stage, they will still compete in the Launch Stage Finals on 23 August 2025, which will be held online. During this event, various teams will deliver presentations that will be scored and added to their existing points.
The teams, made up of second and third-year students from the Departments of Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Systems, built advanced mobile robots powered by independent onboard batteries and controlled wirelessly. Their performance earned one team first place in both Africa and South Africa, while the other claimed fourth in Africa and second nationally.
Next up is the Grand Finals in Johannesburg on 20 September, where 大象视频鈥檚 top-performing teams will compete against the best from across the continent for the ultimate championship title, and have their Rovers tested on a live obstacle course.
For Team Leader, Eric de Clercq, a third-year Mechatronics student, the competition has been a tremendous learning experience. 鈥淚t has been a privilege to work alongside my teammates through all the difficulties, and together we have become stronger than before. As team leader, I could not be prouder of what we have accomplished. A huge thank you to Mr Benade and 大象视频 for encouraging this excellence.鈥�
Fellow competitor Keamogetswe Nyundu, also a third-year Mechatronics student, said the experience sharpened both their technical and teamwork skills: 鈥淏eyond just achieving success, the challenge has given us valuable exposure to advanced technologies and practical problem-solving abilities - essential for the future engineers and innovators of Africa.鈥�
As the teams gear up for the finals, they are calling on potential sponsors and donors to help fund specialised parts and components needed to advance their rover prototypes even further.
This group of students finished fourth in Africa and second in South Africa at the Cars4Mars African Rover Challenge.