Talented future engineers step-up to the Brazilian MECA challenge

The strength of the cooperation shone through

On the first day of competition the attendees had to compete, not only against each other, but also against the weather! Heavy rainfall brought about temporary power outages, but these did not dampen the spirits of the teams as they worked to install, test and complete their projects.

The students concentrated on getting their projects ready

Members of Mitsubishi Electric Brazil technical support team (left) advised and supported students (right) as they participated in MECA

Some students were exposed to Mitsubishi Electric FA equipment for the first time through the MECA competition, however, they all handled the equipment proficiently and with confidence. This was a reflection of their own skills, but was also enhanced by the strong support of Mitsubishi Electric Brazil’s employees who were on-hand to help. Face-to-face conversations were closely followed up by the teams online. The sight of the participants chatting in the hallways, and working on their machines making final adjustments showed how everyone was able to openly communicate and build good relationships in the period leading up to the final. It also strongly reflected the values of MECA: Mission, Execution, Communication and Achievement.

Judgement day

On the second day, after the opening remarks, the five judges who had backgrounds of technical support, IT and marketing, begin to judge. The themes of the projects were diverse and included solutions for different industrial sectors, such as agribusiness, sustainability, and logistics.

There were some challenges facing some of competitors who discovered machine parts that had been broken in the process of transportation or were unable to operate their equipment due to compressor problems. However, after showing a demo video, which was submitted in advance, and their enthusiastic presentations about their machines functions, the judges were thoroughly impressed.

After the presentations of all the teams, the judges left the competition hall to continue their deliberations.

Tour stop for new mobile showroom

While waiting for the results, the competitors became students again and took a tour of the newly completed Mitsubishi Electric Brazil mobile showroom stationed outside the competition venue. One of the displays on the truck quizzed the students, with a robot presenting them with a pen for correct answers, which brought a smile to everyone’s face. The truck, equipped with Mitsubishi Electric FA equipment, is also a full mobile showroom where visitors can learn about industrial automation solutions and applications. It is planned that the truck will tour all over Brazil to meet as many customers and partners as possible.

* MECA: Mission, Experience, Communication, Achievement.