Grade Seven Students Design Automated Security System for Mining Companies to Compete at Technoxian World Robotics Championship

Four Grade Seven students from Errymaple School in Zvishavane have made waves with their innovative design of an automated security system that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Their creation aims to curb theft, vandalism, and trespassing in mining companies, addressing a pressing issue for the industry.

The talented team consists of Sandisiwe Mkwananzi, Mskatendeka Chinofunga, Star Gondwe, and Russel Gengezha. Their hard work and creativity have earned them the opportunity to represent Zimbabwe at the Technoxian World Robotics Championship in Cairo, Egypt. The championship, which attracts teams from around the globe, showcases cutting-edge robotics innovations and provides young inventors with a platform to display their creations.

Before embarking on their journey to Egypt, the team progressed through several stages of competition, including the District Science, Sports, and Arts Festival, followed by provincial and national festivals. These events provided them with the experience and recognition needed to advance to the international stage.

In a pre-departure interview, the team’s project supervisor, Mr. Wonder Magwedeza, explained the key features of the security system. “The students combined basic electronics and coding to design a system that prevents unauthorized access to mining premises,” he said. “The system ensures strict supervision of entry by employing real-time tracking and reporting, ensuring a secure perimeter.”

The system also utilizes access cards, which are assigned through a database that connects with specialized software. This ensures only authorized personnel can enter restricted areas, making it a valuable tool for securing mining operations.

The Technoxian World Robotics Championship is an exciting event that includes various robotics challenges, such as Bots Combat, Robo Race, Maze Solver, Water Rocket, and Drone Racing. Teams from diverse countries, including Egypt, Russia, and Kazakhstan, will compete in these categories, bringing together young innovators aged 8 to 20 from all over the world.

Zimbabwe’s participation in the event aligns with President Mnangagwa’s advocacy for Education 5.0, which emphasizes innovation, industrialization, and the production of goods and services through creativity. This initiative is part of the ongoing push to integrate practical skills and technological advancements into the education system.

As the team heads to Cairo, they carry with them the hopes of their school, community, and nation. Their achievement highlights the potential of young Zimbabweans in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as the growing importance of robotics and innovation in tackling real-world problems.