Hosted at the esteemed Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, this event resonates with IMechE's global mission, spotlighting Pakistan's engineering prowess on an international platform. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students across the nation, the AKDC serves as a crucible for young engineers to tackle real-world challenges. This year's focus on pipeline pigging simulation not only tested participants' technical acumen but also their adaptability and creativity. As a cornerstone event of IMechE Pakistan, the AKDC Nationals ‘23 underscores the institution's commitment to elevating engineering standards and nurturing the next generation of engineers.
Design Challenge Insights and Participation
The Abul Kalam Design Challenge (AKDC) stands as a testament to engineering innovation, challenging participants with intricate tasks that blend creativity and technical expertise. This year, the spotlight was on pipeline pigging simulation, a task demanding both innovation and precision.
Drawing participation from esteemed institutions like NUST SMME, NED Karachi, UET Taxila, and the host, GIKI, the competition was fierce. Each university conducted its AKDC Locals, with winning teams earning the privilege to represent at the Nationals. This culmination led to the AKDC Nationals ‘23 at the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology.
The event was more than a competition; it was a showcase of Pakistan's engineering talent. As teams presented their designs, the depth of talent and passion for engineering was evident, echoing Pakistan's dedication to nurturing engineering excellence.
Event Dynamics and Distinguished Adjudication
The AKDC Nationals ‘23 was structured to test the participants' engineering acumen across multiple dimensions. The competition was divided into several modules, each with its own weightage, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the teams' capabilities. These modules included Team Presentations, Poster Competition, the core Design Challenge, and HEATS.
The challenge's specifics were meticulously crafted: teams were to design a device to simulate pipeline pigging, with constraints such as a maximum supply voltage of 6V and a power limit of 2W for the motor. The device's task was to ascend inside a transparent PVC-U pipe, lifting an increasing load, all while adhering to strict technical parameters.
The event's adjudication was overseen by a distinguished panel of judges, bringing together expertise from various engineering domains. The panel included Dr. Noman Naseer from Air University, Dr. Abdul Shakoor from UET Peshawar, Dr. Noman Qadir, an expert in Environmental Management, and Engr. Ibrahim Khan, an Associate Member of IMechE, UK. Their collective insights ensured a fair and thorough evaluation of all entries, upholding the high standards set by IMechE.
Achievements, Collaborations, and Forward Vision
The AKDC Nationals ‘23, hosted by Muhammad Ahmed Naveed Qazi and Muhammad Taha, showcased the engineering brilliance of Pakistani students. The competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from contestants, the local student audience, GIKI professors, and faculty. Mr. Hassan G. Ansari of the IMechE Pakistan Group Executive Committee lauded the meticulous organization and high standards maintained.
Eminent Speaker Dr. Noman Naseer delivered an insightful talk on “Brain Controlled Robotics,” inspiring young minds. Mr. Giles Hartill, President of IMechE, joined online, sharing his perspectives on the event and expressing high hopes for the future contributions of young Pakistani engineers.
The event's climax saw Team Pacers, with members Mr. Muhammad Khizer, Mr. Muhammad Ammar, Mr. Muhammad Ahmed Raza, and Mr. Muhammad Raza, emerging as winners. Team La Pulga, comprising Ms. Maham Sohail, Mr. Umer Khan, Mr. Muhammad Asad Ali, Ms. Maidah Fahim, and Mr. Naveed Qamar, secured the runner-up position.
The collaboration with Pakistan Intermodal Ltd. underscored the importance of industry-academia partnerships in elevating engineering standards, further aligning with IMechE's vision of global engineering excellence.
Moving forward, the IMechE Pakistan Group is committed to driving excellence, setting higher standards aligned with global benchmarks. Our vision is to foster a professional environment where engineering innovation and excellence thrive seamlessly.
