Written by Team MechanicalMen from Nigeria secured second place at Designathon 2024 for their autonomous, multi-functional and self-balancing design. The students, representing Obafemi Awolowo University in lle-lfe, Nigeria, designed a concept for a waste collection vehicle which could operate both on land and in the sea.
The second-year mechanical engineering students from Team MechanicalMen, Olalere Glory Oluwadamilare and Nwachukwu Praise, took part in the two-day Designathon organised by Autodesk and KnowledgePoint.
When asked about the competition, the team said:
“Designathon 2024 presented a unique opportunity to showcase our problem-solving skills, think outside the box, and bring our concepts to life. By taking part in this exciting competition, we aimed to inspire others, receive valuable feedback, and demonstrate the potential of ideas to drive positive change. Being recognised as a Designathon 2024 winner is a tremendous honour that will significantly enhance our portfolios, propel our careers forward, and serve as a testament to our creative potential. This achievement will empower us to showcase my innovative ideas on a global stage, demonstrating my capabilities and passion for design to a wider audience.”
Themed Designing a Green Tomorrow, Designathon 2024 involved teams of industrial design and engineering students learning and competing over the course of two days. They learnt how smart design can play a part in the transition towards a more sustainable future. Student teams showcased their creativity and design skills in crafting concepts for a better world.
Autonomous waste management concept
Commenting on their concept, Team MechanicalMen said:
“Our innovative design tackles the pressing issue of waste management by introducing an autonomous vehicle capable of operating on both land and water. This cutting-edge product features advanced self-balancing technology, enabling it to navigate diverse terrain with ease. Additionally, our design incorporates a versatile robotic arm, precision-engineered to collect waste materials in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, making it an effective solution for mitigating environmental pollution.”
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:
“We liked its innovative autonomous driving and self-balancing design, combined with a streamlined shape and sustainable features like a retractable solar roof. The multifunctional capabilities, including systems to suck in water and dirt, along with propellers for movement, make it a standout entry.”
Organised by KnowledgePoint, Designathon is part Autodesk’s commitment to education. The two-day online event saw more than 100 student teams develop vital digital skills, and compete in the global Designathon challenge.
Read more about the Designathon and Autodesk’s commitment to education here.