UAE students gear up to compete in global contest

A team of UAE students are getting ready to present their all-terrain vehicle in a major international motor competition in the United States.

The unique vehicle designed by them were among a number of innovative projects was displayed at the Academic City campus during a two day research colloquium held last week.

Dr Abdulla Al Karam, chairman of the board of directors and director general of Knowledge & Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai, unveiled the BAJA-SAE car, which has been developed by a team of 18 mechanical engineering (ME) students of MU, spending Dh50,000.

The group of mechanical engineering students of Manipal University (MU) - Team Ingenium - is one of the 135 participants in the annual Baja SAE competition to be held in Illinois, Chicago.

"As a part of our final year project our team consisting of 18 members have worked on different areas such as design, brakes, suspension and power transmission of the ATV)," said team captain Areeb Hameedi and design captain Rohit Thomas.

"For two months we have been working on the vehicle and two more weeks are needed to complete the ATV. In the MU project exhibition, this car was our main project and we are proud to represent the UAE in the global competition."

It will also participate in an endurance race. Faculty advisors Sampath Suranjan and Shivmurthy Bhavasana have helped the students in developing the energy efficient ATV, weighing 250kg.

Dr S. V. Kota Reddy, academic president of MU Dubai Campus, said: "Manipal Student Research Colloquium on Advances in Engineering & IT has provided a platform for both the students and faculty members to share their research findings."

The second annual student research colloquium on 'Advances in Engineering & IT' was organised by the School of Engineering and IT of Manipal University, Dubai campus on May 3 and 4.

The colloquium witnessed participation from students across various disciplines and from universities across the region who showcased their research papers and projects. It provided a platform for students to incubate innovative ideas and prototypes; experience and share knowledge with fellow students, researchers and industrial leaders and showcase their research talents. The displayed projects included solutions for special needs, and innovative applications using renewable energy and sustainable development.

The event provided opportunities for young researchers to interact with different industries and promote their ideas. Projects such as WINCAR, 3D printer, baby robot and remote triggered lab showcased the work of these young minds and represented a broad spectrum of work in the areas of engineering and technology