Sensor CDT Mini Makeathon!
On Saturday, Makespace was pleased to invite SoilcamB our classroom for a sensor CTD mini Makeathon. Their sensor will be used to measure the moisture, PH and nitrate levels of the soil in South Africa.
‘we encourage different ideas, none of us our experts but it’s important to share work with one another.’
SoilcamB is a team of fifteen PHD students at the University of Cambridge who come from a variety of countries and backgrounds, some are specialises in natural sciences, while others are specialised in  engineering or medicine – this mix of knowledge can prove extremely helpful when creating the sensor. SolicamB member Chiara Barberio explained that ‘we encourage different ideas, none of us our experts but it’s important to share work with one another.’
SoilcamB has garnered attention various organisations within Cambridge, including BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. Speaking upon this experience, Chiara posited that their main goal was ‘to raise awareness and invite volunteers such as farmers and gardeners to help us out, this will enable us to take samples from them and start gathering data.’.
Chiara went on to explain how Makespace was the perfect venue for the Mini Makeathon she stated, ‘Working at Makespace is super-cool, I love the venue, the people working here, the fact there is always an exchange of ideas and expertise. I’m not that familiar with the equipment here but I would be keen to explore and create myself.’. The team was given the support and advice needed to create the sensor by the Makespace team. Makespace was able to give practical advice on how to make sure this product can be mass produced for use across South Africa, and then hopefully internationally.
We very much enjoyed having the SolicamB team with us! We met some incredible people and spoke about some extremely important issues developing in the world.