In our previous article, we highlighted the impact of illegal poaching on the African black rhinoceros and the African white rhinoceros as well as the importance of anti-poaching initiatives as a means of curbing poaching and protecting the rhino population from extinction. Although anti-poaching initiatives resulted in a slight reduction in this illegal activity, nature conservationists and other stakeholders still lack real-time data about rhino behaviour that could provide vital information about imminent poaching activities.
The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, specialises in the control and automation of space satellites, aircraft, and ground vehicles for many different applications. The Electronic Systems Laboratory (ESL) was founded in 1992 and developed, amongst others, SUNSAT, the first South African satellite launched and commissioned in 1999. Since 2004, the ESL department has cultivated a strong research focus on robotics and autonomous vehicles aiming to solve real-life problems. This resulted in the creation of a number of private companies.
Internationally renowned scientists, Professors Leon Dicks and Willie Perold, have joined forces to create a proof-of-concept nanowire biological sensor (or nanochip) that can identify any pathogen or bacteria, for example, e. coli, Salmonella or cholera in 10 to 15 minutes after being swallowed. The significance of this research is that it can ultimately be utilised to accurately diagnose patients during an epidemic or outbreak using a combination of nanotechnology and microbiology. It also means that “instead of prescribing a broad-based antibiotic, or waiting 48 hours for the lab tests to come back, a doctor will be able to immediately prescribe the correct antibiotic to target the pathogen, and by doing so, put less stress on the body’s immune system.”[1]
The rhinoceros has few natural predators. Yet, as a result of active poaching, the African black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) and the African white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) are nearing extinction.[1] South Africa is home to approximately 80% of the world’s rhinos and as a result, has been hardest hit. Recent poaching statistics released by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs indicated that the period 2007 to 2014 saw an increase of 9 000% in the number of rhinos killed for their horns, with more than half of these poaching incidents occurring in the Kruger National Park.[2]
Well done to our local celebrity, Dr. Herman Kamper, who discussed some of the main aspects about the group maties, Maties Machine Learning, our local Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) interest group. This group will also be hosting the biggest AI conference in Africa in 2018 here in Stellenbosch the Deep Learning Indaba. Also learn more about the group from this SU post Watch the video here:
The 2018 edition of the biennial conference of the South African IEEE, Joint Chapter on Antennas and Propagation (AP), Microwave Theory and Techniques (MTT) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), will be held in Stellenbosch on August 30 and 31, at the Stias Conference Centre. This conference brings together engineers and researchers from industry and academia who work in fields related to AP, MTT, and EMC in South Africa. All conference contributions will be by invited presenters, including a few international, plenary speakers. The conference is organized by the South African IEEE Joint AP/MTT/EMC Chapter. See the conference website for further details.
The Deep Learning Indaba was formed as part of an insentive to strengthen state-of-the-art machine learning research and application in South Africa. We are very proud to announce that this year the Indaba is coming to Stellenbosch from 9-14 September. Applications are closing the 30th of April and can be made online. Hope to see you there!
On 15 November, 2017 the final year EE students showcased their final year Skripsie projects. The innovation that was illustrated by these young Engineers was absolutely breathtaking. Here are some pictures of the day. We would also like to congratulate our representative, Ryan Eloff that represented us on 6 December at the annual Jac van der Merwe Competition for Innovation, sponsored by MultiChoice. His final year project was entitled, Teaching a robot to interpret natural language navigation instructions.
As from 2018, the Department of E & E Eng is offering a new Structured M.Eng programme in Smart Grid Technology. This is a new course offering in response to worldwide evolutional processes in the electrical energy domain. These are seen to be technologically very exciting, but will also have considerable impact on conventional networks, in the near to medium future.
Hiring
November 7, 2018 – November 9, 2018
November 21, 2018 – November 24, 2018
