Dreams led from concept to creation

The rocketship teething toy.

The Product Development Technology Station (PDTS) is a dynamic initiative proudly hosted by the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT). The PDTS specialises in all facets of product development, from concept to creation.

Its core competencies encompass product design, prototyping and short-run production. The unit takes pride in its ability to transform innovative ideas into fully functional products and enhance existing ones through meticulous engineering, with the ultimate goal being the provision of unwavering support to businesses and individuals throughout the entire journey of new product development.

The PDTS houses five specialised units, each offering a wide range of customised products and services in their respective expert areas. These are:

• Medical device product development: This unit excels in the development of cutting-edge medical assistive devices, ensuring they meet the highest quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Product development: From concept to market-ready product, comprehensive product development solutions are tailored to a client’s unique needs.
• Advanced machining and tooling: State-of-the-art machining and tooling capabilities enable precision engineering for all projects.
• Advanced sheet metal and tubing: Specialising in the fabrication of sheet metal and tubing components, even the most demanding specifications are met.
• Graphic design and branding: A product’s visual identity is elevated with this unit’s expert graphic design and branding services.

“Over the past 20 years, the PDTS has been instrumental in advancing innovation at the CUT, by transforming ideas into market-ready products, particularly in the medical device sector,” said Shelly Mona, deputy director of the PDTS.

“Through expertise in product design, prototyping, and localised manufacturing, the PDTS supports local industry and has reduced reliance on imports, and fostered economic growth.

“With a commitment to sustainable development, rapid prototyping and knowledge transfer, the PDTS has nurtured the next generation of technologists while building strong industry and academic partnerships. These efforts have significantly contributed to the CUT’s reputation as a leading African university of technology, shaping the future through impactful and responsible innovation.”

In accordance with the CUT’s innovation goal, Mona reiterated that the major goal was to support the localisation of medical device manufacturing, creating innovative, locally produced solutions that improve healthcare outcomes and reduce dependence on imports.

“The PDTS is committed to achieving several key goals and drive technological innovation by developing cutting-edge products and solutions that address real-world challenges, thereby contributing to the university’s mission of shaping the future.”

Mona said the PDTS flagship projects, each highlighting its innovative capabilities in a different way, were key drivers:

• The sustainable wheelchair, a versatile 3-in-1 solution tailored to improve mobility for persons with disabilities in rural areas, while also addressing the difficulty of repairing imported wheelchairs due to the unavailability of parts.
• The My Brew Coffee Infuser Spoon and Brew Press, both developed and prototype-manufactured at the PDTS.

“These products have been successfully commercialised through the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and are now sold at major retailers like Takealot and Cape Union Mart. In addition, these products have also created employment opportunities, contributing to socio-economic development.”

According to Mona, graduates trained at the PDTS have demonstrated the ability to contribute to the growth of South Africa’s industries by developing and implementing cutting-edge solutions that address local and global challenges.

“Their ability to navigate and utilise state-of-the-art technologies positions them as leaders in their fields, driving innovation and fostering entrepreneurship.

“As these graduates enter the workforce, they bring with them a strong foundation in both technical skills and entrepreneurial thinking, enabling them to launch new ventures, create job opportunities, and contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.”

The Covid-19 pandemic, which ravaged the world, underscored the PDTS, despite operational disruptions.

“The PDTS demonstrated its ability to adapt quickly to emerging needs – and contributed effectively to public health during a global crisis. Utilising its prototyping, it quickly designed and developed respiratory masks,” said Mona.

Some of the successes this team has celebrated include a collaboration with Childline Free State, where it supported this non-governmental, non-profit organisation with the design, development, manufacturing, branding and packaging of the rocket ship teething toy.

This 400-unit product run was a team effort within the The PDTS’ Advanced Machining and Tooling unit, which developed the designs and prototypes, and the Graphic Design and Branding unit, which developed the logo, colour palette, fonts, design elements and packaging design.

The teething toys were injection moulded with medical grade silicon.