Engineering for People: LSBU students design smarter, safer streets in South Africa
Two LSBU student teams have reached the national finals of the Engineering for People Design Challenge 2025 – with one team, RoboRona: Solar Robots for Safer Streets, placing in the top six out of more than 10,000 students worldwide!
Run by Engineers Without Borders UK, the challenge asks students to develop sustainable, community-led solutions to real-world problems in the Global South. This year’s focus was Makers Valley – a vibrant but under-resourced neighbourhood in Johannesburg, South Africa, facing regular power outages, infrastructure issues and social inequality.
Meet the finalists
RoboRona – Solar Robots for Safer Streets
The RoboRona team tackled the problem of road safety, designing a solar-powered, theft-resistant traffic light system to protect pedestrians in areas affected by load shedding and cable theft.
“As we researched the area and heard from residents, it was clear how urgently road safety needed improving, especially for children and older people,” said John-Paul, Electrical and Electronic Engineering (BEng Hons) student.
“We wanted to design something community-owned, simple to build, and powered by the sun. That’s how RoboRona was born – it means ‘our robots’ in isiZulu.”
The design uses solar panels, recycled batteries housed in tamper-proof units, energy-efficient LEDs, and wireless communication, eliminating the need for vulnerable underground cabling. Its modular, low-maintenance setup empowers local residents to maintain and manage the system independently.
ValleyVolt – Powering Resilience Through Art
A team of part-time Engineering Apprentices also reached the finals with their project ValleyVolt – a modular backup power hub that helps small businesses stay open during load shedding.
“We identified energy access as a major barrier to the community’s development,” said Jay Sian, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Apprenticeship student.
“The lack of stable electricity shortened school days, cut into business revenue, and left streets in darkness – increasing crime. ValleyVolt aims to solve this by providing emergency power using recycled batteries and sustainable materials.”
The units were designed to be community-friendly as well as functional, decorated with local artwork to help residents feel a sense of ownership and pride.
What was it like reaching the finals?
“Being picked out from around 10,000 students meant the world to us!” said Jay.
“As part-time students, it took a lot of evening meetings, cups of coffee, and willpower to hold off dinner! But creating something that addresses real-world problems – and pitching it to industry experts and community members – was hugely rewarding.”
For the RoboRona team, presenting their work to judges, community leaders, and fellow finalists was a defining moment.
We were so proud,” said John-Paul. “To have our idea recognised at that level gave us real belief. We learned so much – from CAD and sustainability research to public speaking and empathetic design thinking. LSBU really gave us the freedom and support to take the lead.
Skills that make a difference
For many of the students, the challenge was a crash course in collaboration and professional skills.
“I’ve definitely improved on things like electronics, sketching, and prototype building,” said David Oladimeji, Electrical and Electronic Engineering (BEng) student.
“Working with teammates who were stronger in CAD, research and report writing helped me learn a lot. We all brought something different, and I picked up new skills while building on my own strengths.”
How LSBU helped shape their journey
“The Design and Practice module really changed how I think,” said David.
“It showed me that solving problems isn’t just about the tech – it’s about understanding people and how they’ll be affected by the solution. Working in a team, like we did here, is exactly how it is in the real world.”
The students were also full of praise for the support they received throughout the process.
“A huge thank you to Alessio, our Design and Practice lecturer… his guidance and feedback were invaluable,” said David.
“And to Elisa, who came with us to the competition and made sure everything ran smoothly. We really appreciated it — it showed that LSBU staff care and are genuinely involved.”
Associate Prof. Alessio Corso, Deputy Head of the School of Engineering and Design, added:
“What stood out was how strongly both teams aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the principles of ethical, community-led design. It’s exciting to see our students develop practical, inclusive solutions to global challenges.”
Want to create real change through engineering?
All LSBU Chemical, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering students take part in the Engineering for People Design Challenge as part of their Design and Practice module.