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South Africa on Top at the BRICS+ Future Skills and Technology Challenge 2024
The BRICS+ Future Skills and Technology Challenge 2024 brought together some of the brightest young minds from around the globe to solve real-world problems using advanced technologies. This year, a standout performance from one of Belgium Campus’s students, Brandon Goldhawk, in the UAS Hackathon highlighted the importance of innovation, adaptability, and technical prowess.
The Challenge: UAS Hackathon Crop Assessment
The UAS Hackathon, a key component of the BRICS+ Future Skills and Technology Challenge, tasked participants with developing solutions that leverage drone technology and artificial intelligence. The specific focus for Brandon was Crop Assessment. The goal was to create a system capable of assessing the health and conditions of crops using drone imagery, processed through a machine learning model.
Over five intense days, competitors engaged in a rigorous schedule. The first day saw competitors plan comprehensive strategies for their systems, while the second day saw the initial development of the project. By the third day, participants refined their solutions and conducted preliminary tests. The fourth day was dedicated to final testing and completing all necessary documentation. Finally, on the fifth day, each participant presented their polished solution to a panel of judges that included industry experts and CEOs from the drone technology sector.
Building the Solution
The challenge required a drone to fly over a designated area of crops, capture high-resolution images, and send them back to a laptop for analysis. A machine learning model, developed by Brandon during the competition, processed these images to assess the health of the crops. The solution provided immediate feedback, enabling real-time decision-making for crop management.
Although automation was initially considered, the drone’s lack of GPS capabilities made it impractical. Therefore, the system relied on manual operation for image capture, with the data processing conducted on a laptop. Despite these limitations, the approach was successful and the results could be seen on the laptop after a few seconds.
Overcoming Challenges and Future Improvements
Competing alone in an environment where most teams consisted of 2-5 members presented significant challenges for Brandon. Time management became crucial, as he had to handle software development, documentation, and public speaking independently. The ability to adapt quickly was also essential, as initial plans to process data onboard the drone had to be revised due to its limited processing power.
Soft Skills and Competition Dynamics
The competition tested not only technical skills but also essential soft skills. Organisational skills were crucial for managing the entire project lifecycle, from planning to presentation. Additionally, public speaking was an important component, as participants had to clearly and confidently articulate their complex technical solutions to the judges and industry experts. These soft skills were integral to the competition and were formally assessed as part of the overall evaluation.
South African Participation and Success
Brandon was not the only South African to excel on the international stage. Three other South Africans participated in different categories, including blockchain, business automation, and aerial robotics, and each secured a medal. This collective success highlights the high level of talent and innovation within South African institutions.
Overall, the BRICS+ Future Skills Challenge 2024 provided a platform to showcase exceptional talent and innovative thinking. Brandon’s achievement in the UAS Hackathon is a testament to his hard work, adaptability, and technical expertise. This experience has not only enhanced Brandon’s personal and professional growth but also highlights the significance of international competitions in fostering skills development and practical experience among students, especially in the IT industry.
-Rebecca Jones
