Ghana (University of Mines and Technology) Team Orasave Leads UMaT’s 6th Innovation And Career Fair With Fire Detection Technology

Four second year students of the Computer Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering Departments have won the 6th Innovation and Career Fair Competition at the University of Mines and Technology, (UMaT). The competition which was organised on Friday, 29th July, 2022 formed part of the year-long activities to commemorate the 70th Institutional Anniversary celebration to allow students showcase their talents through a presentation of their own-made innovations.

The Innovation and Career Fair Competition was held in two phases; the preliminary stage, which hosted thirteen (13) competing teams whereas the final stage involved 5 shortlisted teams. The five (5) finalists namely, Team Orasave, Team UMaT Pro App, Team Multi-Purpose Home Automation System, Team Lux Drive, and Team Sankofa Smart Bin, competed their innovations through a presentation and a demonstration of how their innovations work.

The winning team, Team Orasave, dazzled participants and audience with an innovative project on a multi-purpose emergency detection technology that detects and alarms users of gas leakages, fire and smoke, and also alerts users via text messages. It also has a unique feature that aids the visually impaired to use it successfully. The system has an imbedded camera which detects false alarm before the intervention of the Fire Service. It also generates the location of leakages, fire or smoke to the user. The team took home a cash prize of GHC 5,000.00.

The first runner-up, Team UMaT Pro developed the UMaT Pro App to improve virtual teaching and learning in the University. The app allows for advertisements of products and services from various industries. UMaT Pro, was invented to expand information and communication technology in the University, and to enhance the visibility of UMaT students. The team were awarded a sum of GHC 4,000.00.

The second runner-up, Team Multi-Purpose Home Automation System who were awarded a sum of GHC 3,500.00 demonstrated a wireless system that controls all electrical gadgets without human interference. The technology consists of 8 independent functions integrated into a single unit including lightening, water, security and other home appliances. The system also has a feature that can detect smoke and quench fire, as well as invasion of wired walls. This system is intended to make the use of household appliances simple and to enhance home security.

The third runner-up, Team Lux Drive, developed a system which detects and alarms drivers of drowsiness, distraction and alcohol on the breath of drivers. The system has two functions namely, the drowsiness detection system and the alcohol detection system. When the system detects alcohol on the breath of a driver, it locks the engine to prevent the vehicle from moving. This innovation also has a feature to video culpable drivers and generates fines with the date and time of offense and sends to a remote database at monitoring stations. This innovation is intended to minimize drunk-driving and other bad driving practices.

The fourth runner-up, Team Sankofa Smart Bin presented a 2-in-1 smart bin comprising of two compartments that segregates waste products with the support of an inbuilt camera. It has a GSM mode that automatically sends messages to alert users when compartments are full. This innovation will help to monitor waste production and consumption in companies, laboratories and homes.

The third and fourth runners-up were awarded GHC 2,500.00 and GHC 1,500.00 respectively.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Richard K. Amankwah in his opening address for the event stated that UMaT offers some of the best engineering programmes and consultancy services in Africa, and therefore, produces unique engineering products for the Mining and Allied Industries. Prof Amankwah also mentioned that UMaT’s innovations have contributed immensely to the industry, some of which include, waste plastics to fuel technology, novel production of activated carbon, brake pads manufactured from palm kennel, and the ‘Sikabukyia’.

Prof Amankwah further noted that for the 2022/2023 academic year, the University will roll out four (4) Executive Certificate Programmes in Mining Engineering, Gold Extraction Technology, Resource Value Chain Management, and Mining and Minerals Policy, to be undertaken by stakeholders of the Mining and Allied Industries who are interested in acquiring degrees in mining and engineering. “This,” he said, ”is another way of increasing knowledge in mining and engineering technology”.

At the end of the event, some participants expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of the competition and others were motivated to partake in the next Innovation and Career Fair Competition to exhibit their inventions.

The 6th Innovation and Career Fair received sponsorship from Newmont Corporation, AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Limited (AAIL), Goldfields Company Limited, Ghana Gas, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, Rocksure International, Nezo Group, Metso:Outotec, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, African Resource Management, Access Bank, and Precious Minerals Mining Company (PMMC).