Around the world, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become an in-demand tool which has proven to energise the construction sector. Enabling the digital management and design of buildings and engineering processes, BIM is viewed as being directly responsible for improvements in productivity.
However, the AEC ecosystem across the African continent is playing catch-up. According to research from BIM Africa, around 44% of construction professionals are using BIM on their projects.
We wanted to explore this further – that’s why our latest insight report, Constructing Skills for African Prosperity, includes a snap-shot of awareness and adoption levels.
Download the report here, and then get in touch to find out how you can get involved.
The construction sector in Africa needs to undergo a transformative shift, increasing its adoption of critical digital technologies. The combination of rapid urbanisation, economic growth and infrastructure needs has created a fertile ground for digital transformation.
Digitisation sits at the heart of ambitious transformation plans for many nations, as it is seen to play a role in increasing efficiency and improving productivity. However, the adoption of digital technologies within the construction industries varies across the region.
Why is this? Many reasons but at the core is a need for investment – whether it be the capital investment required for the technologies or investment in education and training.
When technology and development go hand-in-hand, the importance of education and training comes to the fore – new skills are needed. Investment in developing digital capacity and capability is essential across the construction sector which is critical to the success of key infrastructure projects and more.
“Digital skills” is a far-reaching term, encompassing core digital literacy as well as specialist skills – the ability to use digital tools and platforms, data analysis, cybersecurity, and the application of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). In the context of construction, such digital skills are vital for improving efficiency, reducing costs, enhancing safety and ensuring the sustainability of projects.
One of the primary reasons digital skills are critical in construction is the need for accurate and efficient project management. Tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM) allow for the creation of detailed 3D models of buildings and infrastructure, enabling better planning and collaboration among stakeholders. This technology not only improves the precision of designs but also helps in anticipating potential issues before they become costly problems.
Investment in infrastructure is key
It is fair to say that many recognise that robust infrastructure is essential for economic development, social inclusion and regional stability.
“Especially roads, connect people, resources, and information. From providing physical access to markets, customers, suppliers, to reducing transportation and transaction costs. Roads and other transport and communication infrastructure are the arteries of the economy, facilitating innovation, specialization, and competitiveness across the continent.”
Projects ranging from transportation networks and energy systems to water supply and digital infrastructure, are vital.
At the recent meeting of the G7 in Italy, the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) reiterated its support for the Loboto rail corridor – a project which will connect southern and central Africa, bringing vital telecommunication and other infrastructure to the region.
The African Digital Infrastructure Initiative is a collaborative effort to improve digital connectivity across the continent. This project aims to lay down extensive fibre optic networks and enhance mobile connectivity, thereby facilitating the adoption of digital technologies in various sectors.
The Trans-African Highway Network is designed to link major cities across the continent with modern roadways. Arguably, the project’s success hinges on the application of advanced digital tools for planning, construction and maintenance. Digital skills are essential here, as they enable the use of drones for site surveys, GIS for mapping and planning and BIM for providing a basis for decision-making throughout the lifecycle of the project.
Making a commitment to a digital skills transformation
The transformation is not just about building roads or skyscrapers; it’s about creating a foundation for long-term economic development and improving the quality of life for millions of people across the continent.
As digital tools become more integrated into construction processes, the need for a digitally literate workforce becomes ever more pressing, making education and training vital.
A skills-focused education system needs to make sure that skills supply keeps up with industry demand. Education has a role to play in producing the people needed to drive digital transformation across the AEC sector – the right number of people, with the right skills at the right levels to develop and adopt digital systems, such as BIM.
As one of the youngest populations in the world, adequate investments need to be made in education and learning that hold value in the labour market for the long-term. A reshaping of educational and training curricula – from pre-primary to tertiary and lifelong learning – will need to happen to enable the adoption of ever-evolving digital technologies.
According to the African Union,
“education systems need to be flexible, inclusive, proactive and tuned into producing a new breed of workforce that readily and continually learns and unlearns on a wide array of complex skills and competency required in the ever-changing digital world”.
Curricula need to encourage critical thinking, creativity and emotional intelligence as well as accelerate acquisition of digital and STEM skills.
By investing in digital skills, Africa can not only improve its infrastructure but also create jobs and foster economic growth. The construction industry, with its extensive value chain, can become a major driver of this growth, provided it embraces the digital revolution.
Players across the sector need to adopt new working practices and embrace technology – by doing so they’ll increase efficiency, improve safety standards and contribute to sustainability goals.
Governments and educational institutions need to inspire an increasingly youthful population – they need to accept collective responsibility for preparing them for careers in a transformed construction landscape.
We all need to make an investment into digital skills now – and in doing so shore up the foundations for critical infrastructure and economic growth across a continent on the cusp of transformation.
Tomas Karlsson is the Sr. Manager of channel services at KnowledgePoint. This means he oversees the management of outsourced extended enterprise learning programmes, recruiting and supporting global network of training providers on behalf of organisations, including Autodesk.
Drawing on exemplars from Autodesk Authorized Learning Partners, our insight report “Constructing Skills for African Prosperity” is part Autodesk’s commitment to education. In this report we explore some of the unique challenges and opportunities affecting the region. We consider factors impacting the rate of change and adoption of technologies in the sector. We also ponder how, in a region facing a significant “youth bulge”, capability and skills gaps which exist now, could be further widened in the future. Drawing on industry exemplars, we offer practical solutions and suggest actions for players across the AEC ecosystem.
The digital revolution continues to reshape industries worldwide – and manufacturing is no exception. The integration of digital technologies, often referred to as Industry 4.0, is transforming traditional manufacturing processes, enhancing productivity, and driving innovation.
In manufacturing we’re seeing the adoption of the likes of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, robotics, and cloud computing. These allow manufacturers to optimise operations, reduce costs, improve product quality, and respond more swiftly to market demands.
I recently read a report by McKinsey which said digital technologies can increase production line efficiency by up to 30% and reduce machine downtime by 50%. Predictive maintenance powered by AI and IoT can anticipate equipment failures before they occur, allowing for timely interventions and minimising production disruptions.
As manufacturers adopt new technologies, they can develop new business models, create innovative products, and enter new markets. For example, 3D printing technology, or additive manufacturing, allows manufacturers to produce complex parts with greater precision and at a lower cost. This technology is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs, enabling them to compete with larger players.
However, the successful implementation of these technologies hinges on the availability of a skilled workforce. Digital skills have been shown to be essential across various facets of manufacturing, from design and production to maintenance and supply chain management.
Despite all of this, there is a digital skills gap.
A study by the World Economic Forum highlights that 54% of employees in the manufacturing sector will require significant reskilling and upskilling by 2025 to meet the demands of digital transformation.
According to PwC, 32% of employees in the Middle East said their companies were using technology to automate and upgrade the workplace. But 53% of respondents in the region reported there were limited opportunities to learn from colleagues with advanced technical or digital skills. This could hinder the region’s ability to compete internationally.
I can cite more data and find more examples, but I think you get the point. Something needs to be done.
So, the good news is there are initiatives aiming to address the challenge (the question is though, is it happening fast enough??).
The European Commission’s Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition aims to improve digital skills among the workforce, including those in the manufacturing sector. In the United Arab Emirates, the government has introduced the UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025, which focuses on enhancing digital literacy and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
Collaboration between industry, academia, and government is essential to developing and nurturing digital skills in manufacturing. Partnerships can facilitate the sharing of knowledge, resources, and best practices, ensuring that the workforce is adequately prepared for the digital future.
This collaborative approach ensures that the latest advancements built into curricula, and understood by a new generation of workers. In the UK, the Made Smarter initiative brings together government, industry, and academia to support the digital transformation of manufacturing through training programmes, innovation hubs, and funding for digital projects.
Encouraging students of all ages to pursue education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is crucial. STEM education lays the foundation for digital skills and prepares the future workforce for the demands of Industry 4.0. We need to get young people excited and inspire them for the future.
Our contribution: Designathon 2024
We like to think we’re playing a part with boosting digital skills across the region. One way we’re doing this is with Designathon 2024.
This is how it works:
Day one sees students boost their digital design skills, learning about Autodesk Fusion and its key workflows. Then on day two, they work in teams to respond to a challenge, putting their new skills to the test. They work together, they collaborate – and they compete for prizes.
It will offer student teams the opportunity to learn how smart design can play a part in the transition towards a more sustainable future. They get to showcase their creativity and design skills in crafting concepts for a better world.
Where: online
When: 26 and 27 June 2024
Sign-up now: Entries are accepted from teams of students – a team of 2 (minimum) or 3 (maximum).
But we’re closing for entries very soon – get your team together and enter before 19 June.
The importance of digital skills in manufacturing, and more generally, cannot be overstated. As digital technologies continue to evolve, employers must equip their workforce with the necessary skills to fully capitalise on the benefits afforded by new technologies. Enhanced productivity, increased innovation, and improved competitiveness to name just a few.
By embracing digital skills, manufacturers can not only navigate the challenges of the digital age but also seize the opportunities it presents, driving economic growth and industrial advancement for years to come.
Tomas Karlsson is the Sr Manager of channel services at KnowledgePoint. This means he oversees the management of outsourced extended enterprise learning programmes, recruiting and supporting global network of training providers on behalf of organisations, including Autodesk.
Organised by KnowledgePoint, Designathon 2024 is part Autodesk’s commitment to education. The two-day online event will see students develop vital digital skills, and compete in the global Designathon challenge. For more information about the Designathon 2024 and Autodesk’s commitment to education here.
Innovation. Technology. Robotics. Data. Design. Some big-ticket items for manufacturing. They’re all front of mind when I think about factories of the future.
Terms like “smart factory,” “industrial internet of things” (IIoT), and “Industry 4.0” have entered everyday manufacturing discourse. Devices and machines are increasingly interconnected so they can share information and communicate with each other. With these advances in technology, the shop floor can be directly connected with decision makers, and production data can be collected and analysed in real time. They enable timely operational improvements and better-informed decisions.
Ground-breaking developments in automation and robotics are here – and more are coming down the line. Such technologies incorporate advanced sensors, artificial intelligence (AI) and other capabilities which allow them to perform tasks with high levels of efficiency. They help to increase overall productivity for manufacturers.
All of these developments get me pondering about the jobs in these factories of the future. In turn, I think about skills (I would, wouldn’t I?) – needs are shifting, and are going to have to shift even more.
The future of skills across the sector is not just about filling today’s needs; there’s a need to (re)evaluate the work and prepare the workforce of tomorrow. But to the point about filling today’s needs, there’s a gap to fill already.
Robotics in manufacturing are often used takes on highly repetitive jobs or tasks that are less appealing for human labour because they are higher risk.
We need people with the right skillsto work alongside these robots.
According to Autodesk’s latest Design & Make report, business leaders and experts are bullish on artificial intelligence. Companies are uncovering valuable, industry-specific AI applications – with uses ranging from automated transcription of meeting minutes to assistance laying out factory floors. In the future, leaders and experts predict that generative AI will increasingly help human workers to make crucial design decisions about physical products, buildings, and digital assets.
We need people with the right skills to get the most out of AI.
In today’s interconnected world, manufacturing operates in a complex ecosystem where data reigns supreme. From supply chain management to predictive maintenance, data literacy enables seamless integration and optimisation across the value chain. The digital transformation of manufacturing transcends geographical boundaries. In a global economy, companies operate in a networked environment where collaboration knows no borders. Connectivity and agility enable collaboration with suppliers halfway across the globe or servicing clients on distant shores
We needpeople who are digitally literateand can interpret what data are telling us.
Whether it’s designing and making intricate components for aerospace engineering or crafting elegant consumer goods, companies are increasingly aware of their environmental responsibilities. They’re making investments in energy efficiency, materials reduction and more sustainable processes that are better for both the environment and the bottom line.
We need people who can design for a green economy.
The changing face of manufacturing demands a paradigm shift in our approach to workforce planning and skills development. Core digital literacy and proficiency in key digital skills are critical for the success of manufacturers around the world.
Yet, the digital divide threatens to amplify existing disparities, leaving behind those who lack access to education and resources. Bridging this gap requires a concerted effort from governments, industries, and educational institutions to open-up access to learning opportunities and equip individuals with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.
We’re in the business of skilling and education, so like to think we’re playing our part with closing the skills gap – as well as gearing up for the factories of the future, today. We’re constantly looking for exciting ways to support the next generation of designers and manufacturers to develop digital skills they need (and businesses crave).
That’s why we’re now accepting entries from teams of students for Designathon 2024. Our Designathon has a dual purpose. Day one sees students boost their digital design skills, learning about the Autodesk Fusion platform and its key workflows. Then on day two, they work in teams to respond to a challenge, putting their new skills to the test. They work together, they collaborate – and they compete for prizes.
About Designathon 2024: Designing a green tomorrow
In a world where mastery of design software has become non-negotiable, platforms such as Autodesk Fusion have emerged as indispensable assets. Designathon 2024 offers student teams the opportunity to learn how smart design can play a part in the transition towards a more sustainable future. They get to showcase their creativity and design skills in crafting concepts for a better world.
Where: online
When: 26 and 27 June 2024
Sign-up now:Entries are accepted from teams of students – a team of 2 (minimum) or 3 (maximum).
You can play a part. Get involved – encourage others to take part. Invest in the digital skills manufacturers around the world need today – and will need more of tomorrow.
Tomas Karlsson is the Sr. Manager of channel services at KnowledgePoint. This means he oversees the management of outsourced extended enterprise learning programmes, recruiting and supporting global network of training providers on behalf of organisations, including Autodesk.
Organised by KnowledgePoint, Designathon 2024 is part Autodesk’s commitment to education. The two-day online event will see students develop vital digital skills, and compete in the global Designathon challenge. Find out more about the Designathon 2024 and Autodesk’s commitment to education here.
Last week KnowledgePoint co-organised the annual Autodesk Learning Partner (ALP) Summit 2024 in Milan, Italy with our peer Autodesk Distributor TD Synnex Datech.
The summit was themed ‘The Future of Learning‘, and the attendees had the opportunity to hear keynote speakers from Autodesk, industry, and academia share their perspectives on the influence AI and immersive technologies will have on training organisations now and in the coming years.
We welcomed 140+ attendees representing a community of learning organisations who support Autodesk end users across 39 different countries in the Africa, CIS, Europe, and Middle East regions.
We also had the opportunity to celebrate the success that Autodesk Learning Partners have achieved in the past year by recognising their achievements through the annual Autodesk Learning Partner Excellence Awards 2024.
Award
Winners
Make the Future 2024
UKHOTECH
Stronger Together 2024
Symetri
Spotlight Award 2024 – Education Success
NTI
Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI) for AEC 2024
Modena Design Centre
Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI) for PD&M 2024
CADDesign
Grand Entrance 2024
Think to Link & Unistack
Congratulations to all the well-deserved winners!
We appreciate the support from multiple colleagues at Autodesk, our peers at TD Synnex Datech, and the amazing guest speakers who shared their insight and expertise and made this a wonderful event. Experience the Summit by viewing our showreel. Make sure to also check out our YouTube channel to hear some of the attendees share their insight on key trends they see in their markets at Learning Partner Insight.
Tomas Karlsson, KnowledgePoint, and Jo-Ann Hogan who won the ACI for AEC award on behalf of Modena Design Centre.Astrid Oie, Autodesk, and Ümit KILIÇ who won the Make the Future award on behalf of UKHOTECH.
A 24-race F1 World Championship, Euro 2024, the Olympics and the Paralympics, Cycling World Championships and Weightlifting World Championships. These are just a few of the sporting competitions which will occupy the minds of athletes, coaches, teams and supporters alike over the next few months.
But while many will be turning to sporting endeavours, we’re proud to encourage competition of a different kind. We’re all about the pursuit of knowledge, new skills and the chance to stand out in a competitive global job market.
Last year our first Designathon brought together bright minds from around the globe to showcase their talents and exchange ideas. Such an event is analogous to athletes from different countries coming together for their discipline’s World Champs or the Olympics. Designathon 2023 provided industrial design and engineering students with an opportunity to collaborate, challenge and compete.
Athletes train hard and compete to push their limits, they work with their teammates to hone set-pieces and make incremental gains for success. Their coaches help them to develop their skills and gameplay, making sure they display the qualities of a winning team.
Many parallels with Designathon 2023. I saw students complete training on Autodesk Fusion, a tool used by designers and in factories around the world. They learnt new skills, and developed their knowledge. They worked as teams, responding to a challenge set by our team of student experts. They competed against other student teams for prizes. They embraced the opportunities, sharpening their skills and expanding their knowledge in the process.
Top three designs in Designathon 2023
In my opinion, Designathon 2023 was fantastic. I loved it – it reminded me why I do what I do, work in the education sector. It was an amazing display of collective learning and collaboration. I saw students of industrial design and engineering come together to gain digital skills – and compete for the honour of being recognised as the best team at Designathon 2023! I saw lots of collaboration – and fun along the way.
I particularly liked what Team Titan from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, had to say:
Design competitions encourage innovative thinking and creativity. They provide a platform to experiment with new ideas and solutions, which is a critical skill in any design-related career. It will serve as a proof of expertise in future endeavours.
We enjoyed it so much, we’ve decided to do it again. But unlike many sporting competitions we’ve decided to usurp a two or four-year cycle, we’re going for an annual event!
So, make a note in your diary, Designathon 2024 is on 26-27 June – and we’re open for entries from teams of students!!
If you need some inspiration, find out about last year’s winners.
The Ying Yang mobile machine uses powerful suspension systems and wheels to keep up with the changing rhythm of the world. It has strong tempered glass to withstand harsh weather conditions and, in addition to a small ecosystem housed in its three-story body, it only uses renewable energy sources, specifically the most mobile of them all, solar panels, to ensure sustainability.
It features modifiable plant pots, instant health analysis of plants and soil with built-in artificial intelligence support, and panels opening in the most suitable position for high yield. It produces minimal waste by converting its own waste plant outputs into biomass energy through the method of biomass combustion.
Julia Daramola, Alao Kolawole, and Oluwaseun Adeyera.
The students from Team Titan designed a system comprising solar panel for energy supply, connected to a small hydroponic unit where crops are grown in a nutrient-rich, water-based solution, eliminating the need for soil.
Portability is achieved through a lightweight, collapsible frame with wheels, allowing easy movement and reconfiguration. The design integrates sensors and automated controls for nutrient and pH level management, ensuring optimal growing conditions while leveraging renewable energy.
Team Concept Squad placed third with Air-O-Ponics, an innovative machine that transforms air into clean water.
The students from Tunisia designed a machine which uses condensation technology to extract moisture from the air. Produced water is used for watering plants in a hydroponic system, a method of growing plants that does not require soil, the plants are grown in an aqueous nutrient solution. The Air-O-Ponics is powered by solar energy.
Get your team ready for DESIGNATHON 2024: Designing a green tomorrow
A chance to train and compete. Designathon 2024 offers student teams the opportunity to learn how smart design can play a part in the transition towards a more sustainable future. They will also showcase their creativity and design skills in crafting concepts for a better world. And compete for prizes!
Where: online
When: 26 and 27 June 2024
Train on day 1: student teams from around the world will learn about Autodesk Fusion and key workflows.
Compete on day 2: student teams will put new design skills to the test in the Designathon challenge.
Sign-up now: Entries are accepted from teams of students – a team of 2 (minimum) or 3 (maximum).
Because we like just a bit of healthy competition – we’re now competing with ourselves (with your help). Last year’s competition involved 180 students in 70 teams from 24 countries representing 64 educational institutions. We want to boost these numbers.
Are you up making the 2024 edition of the Designathon a winning competition? Bigger and better than Designathon 2023?
Tomas Karlsson is the Sr. Manager of channel services at KnowledgePoint. This means he oversees the management of outsourced extended enterprise learning programmes, recruiting and supporting global network of training providers on behalf of organisations, including Autodesk.
Organised by KnowledgePoint, Designathon 2024 is part Autodesk’s commitment to education. The two-day online event will see students develop vital digital skills, and compete in the global Designathon challenge. For more information about the Designathon 2024 and Autodesk’s commitment to education: https://tinyurl.com/yvb885dp
Team Concept Squad placed third in the international Autodesk Designathon for their idea, Air-O-Ponics, an innovative machine that transforms air into clean water.
The students representing Net-Info in Tunisia designed a machine which uses condensation technology to extract moisture from the air. Produced water is used for watering plants in a hydroponic system, a method of growing plants that does not require soil, the plants are grown in an aqueous nutrient solution. The Air-O-Ponics is powered by solar energy.
The students from Team Concept Squad: Emna Ksaier, Oussema Benaissa, and Azza Reguigui.
Valuable competition for career development
The students recognise how participating in the Designathon will benefit their career development:
Azza Reguigui said:
“Participating in an international competition proves to be a profound and enriching learning experience. The exposure to diverse challenges in such a global contest contributes significantly to my personal and professional growth, enhancing my adaptability and broadening my expertise.This experience serves as a catalyst for continuous improvement, laying a solid foundation for future success in my career endeavours.”
Oussema Benaissa said:
“Winning a third place in an international competition will open a lot of working opportunities especially when they will discover that you won, they will be sure of your skills in 3d modelling.”
Emna Ksaier said:
“Participating in an international competition can be a valuable learning experience, providing insights and skills that can be applied in different aspects of my career. It is more than just a competition. It is an opportunity to contribute, learn and grow. Every moment of this experience is a privilege, and I am honoured to be part of this collective pursuit of excellence.”
Expert view
The Designathon concepts were judged by an expert panel including representatives from Autodesk and KnowledgePoint. The judges were impressed by the quality of the student submissions.
Commenting on Team Concept Squad’s entry, the judges said:
“This project integrates different ideas in a brilliant way. The system utilizes solar energy to condense humidity in the air and allows for growing plants without the need for soil. Furthermore, the team has meticulously modelled their ideas, detailing the relationships between components, and using a circular design that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the product.”
Organised by KnowledgePoint, Designathon is part Autodesk’s commitment to education. The two-day online event saw students from 24 countries develop vital digital skills, and compete in the global Designathon challenge.
For more information about the Designathon and Autodesk’s commitment to education here.
Team Titan secured second place in the Autodesk Designathon for their idea, a compact, solar-powered, hydroponic farming system.
The students representing Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, designed a system comprising solar panel for energy supply, connected to a small hydroponic unit where crops are grown in a nutrient-rich, water-based solution, eliminating the need for soil.
The mechanical engineering students from Team Titan, Alao Kolawole, Julia Daramola, and Oluwaseun Adeyera, took part in the two-day Designathon organised by Autodesk and KnowledgePoint.
When asked about the competition and their concept, the team said:
“Designing a product for growing crops using renewable energy in Fusion was a mixture of sustainability and innovation. It underscored the incredible potential of combining cutting-edge design technology with renewable energy to revolutionise agriculture. This experience was a vivid reminder that the future of eco-friendly farming is not just a concept, but a tangible reality within our grasp.”
Alao KolawoleJulia DaramolaOluwaseun Adeyera
Concept for a portable product for growing crops using renewable energy
The students were challenged to design a concept for a portable product for growing crops using renewable energy. Team Titan’s design is a compact, solar-powered, hydroponic farming system. Portability is achieved through a lightweight, collapsible frame with wheels, allowing easy movement and reconfiguration. The design integrates sensors and automated controls for nutrient and pH level management, ensuring optimal growing conditions while leveraging renewable energy.
Expert view
The Designathon concepts were judged by an expert panel including representatives from Autodesk and KnowledgePoint. The judges were impressed by the quality of the student submissions.
Commenting on Team Titan’s entry, the judges said:
“This project was one of our favourites aesthetically. The team applied high attention to details while modelling with Fusion and did a great job in generating photo-realistic renderings. It was also one of the best projects in terms of portability. Additionally, the team considered the manufacturability of the product in their design.”
Organised by KnowledgePoint, Designathon is part Autodesk’s commitment to education. The two-day online event saw students from 24 countries develop vital digital skills, and compete in the global Designathon challenge.
For more information about the Designathon and Autodesk’s commitment to education here.
Team Ying Yang won the international student design competition for their concept for a portable product for growing crops using renewable energy. The students representing Gazi University saw off competition from 70 students teams from 24 countries to win the inaugural Designathon.
Ahmet Kaya and Ömer Kağan Yılmaz, who are studying manufacturing engineering, took part in the two-day Designathon organised by Autodesk and KnowledgePoint.
Commenting on their win they said:
“You can be creative as you can express yourself. Fusion gave us the opportunity to create everything we want, with just a few clicks. We worked hard (especially the flowerpots) and we had a wonderful time while pushing our limits when trying new things, and results came out better than we thought. Thanks to Autodesk and Gazi University, we achieved a great success, and a core memory to both of us. Can’t wait to be a part of more in the future!”
Ahmet Kaya Ömer Kağan Yılmaz
The two-day online event saw students complete a day of training on Autodesk Fusion where they gained vital digital design and modelling skills. On day two of the Designathon, the student teams were asked to respond to a challenge facing communities around the globe, the need for sustainable crops.
The students value the digital skills they’ve gained:
“We will use Fusion in many ways in the future. Sketching, modelling, measuring, analysing and simulating; so basically everything. Fusion is a well-developed, up-to-date software to catch up with the today’s technology, to get the best results from our most precious thing, time.”
The winning design
The Ying Yang mobile machine uses powerful suspension systems and wheels to keep up with the changing rhythm of the world. It has strong tempered glass to withstand harsh weather conditions and, in addition to a small ecosystem housed in its three-story body, it only uses renewable energy sources, specifically the most mobile of them all, solar panels, to ensure sustainability.
It has features such as modifiable plant pots, instant health analysis of plants and soil with built-in artificial intelligence support, and panels opening in the most suitable position for high yield. It produces minimal waste by converting its own waste plant outputs into biomass energy through the method of biomass combustion.
Validation by experts
The student entries were judged by an expert panel including representatives from Autodesk and KnowledgePoint. The judges were impressed by the calibre of the student submissions.
Commenting on Ying Yang’s entry, the expert jury said:
“This project had one of the most detailed models among the competition entries. It features a design that is tailored to ensure that multiple plants could be stored on shelves but with each plant positioned to maximize exposure to sunlight. The electronic components, the elements responsible for plant care, and additional components like solar panels have all been modelled in great detail, making full use of Fusion’s capabilities.”
Organised by KnowledgePoint, Designathon is part Autodesk’s commitment to education. The two-day online event saw students develop vital digital skills, and compete in the global Designathon challenge.
Learn more about the Designathon and Autodesk’s commitment to education here.
In the ever-evolving industrial landscape, fostering creativity and innovation among the next generation of engineers and makers is critical. As we mark the International Day of Education, I reflect on the transformative power of education in building a sustainable future.
We recently organised an online Designathon, where teams of students worked together to tackle a real-world problem using the latest digital design tools and methodologies. By combining elements of education, technology, and creativity, the competition offered a learning environment to prepare students for the challenges of the future.
One of the things I loved about the Designathon was its ability to transcend geographical boundaries. Technology proved itself to be a great enabler. Over the course of two days, we were joined by students from 64 institutions from 24 countries. These students from diverse backgrounds came together to learn. They came together to think about a global challenge. They collaborated and they had fun.
For me, this interconnected approach epitomises the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Top 3 winning designs in the Designathon
Essential skills for the 21st century
In a world evolving at an unprecedented pace, education needs to be a cornerstone for progress and transformation. It can be a catalyst for fostering skills essential for the 21st century, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability. These skills are crucial in preparing students to navigate the complexities of an increasingly interconnected world.
It is easy to talk about the importance of such skills in the abstract. It is better when their importance is recognised – particularly by our future workforce, such as those who took part in our competition.
“Designathon 2023 enhanced my teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills, providing valuable experience in a dynamic design setting.”
Many of the students who took part in our Designathon said they did because they want to improve their chances of securing good jobs in the design and manufacturing sectors. In a competitive job market, they recognise how participation can boost their employability.
Ömer Kağan Yılmaz, from the winning team from Gazi University in Turkey told me:
“The Designathon is definitely going to affect my future plans. I was wanting to work in 3D modelling industry after my bachelor and master degree but after Designathon 2023, adding the 1st place award to my CV going to show my passion for the CAD and teamworking abilities.”
Aligning learning to industry’s needs
Events like this also underscore the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and businesses, ensuring that curricula align with the evolving needs of the professional landscape. In my role I see the positive effects of such collaborations between education and industry. If tutors and institutions know what employers expect, their students are more likely to be prepared for success in manufacturing settings deploying the latest digital technologies.
There’s a need to invest in all levels of education, addressing inequalities and expanding access to skills and training. Some countries need a demand-driven education system which is in sync with employers’ needs, as well as building both STEM and ICT capacity. By organising the Designathon, we’re playing a part in addressing inequalities and increasing attainment levels.
We do this because we recognise that digital transformation holds the key to the future of manufacturing. Those manufacturers already adopting digital technologies are realising improvements in efficiency, performance, productivity as well as reduced energy bills.
Those students investing in their futures, willing to challenge themselves against others, will reap the rewards. They will be the ones who will stand out from the crowd when employers have roles to fill.
Tomas Karlsson is the senior manager of channel services at KnowledgePoint. This means he oversees the management of outsourced extended enterprise learning programmes, recruiting and supporting global network of training providers on behalf of organisations, including Autodesk.
Organised by KnowledgePoint, Designathon is part of Autodesk’s commitment to education. The two-day online event saw students develop vital digital skills, and compete in the global Designathon challenge. For more information about the Designathon and Autodesk’s commitment to education:https://knowledgepoint.com/autodesk/designathon-2023/
