Emirati Students from Abu Dhabi Polytechnic Develop Innovative Solution to Reduce Traffic Congestion

User Experience Zone at Abu Dhabi Hardware Show Offers Public Sneak-Peek into Horizontally-moving Automatic Bridge

Abu Dhabi, UAE, October 4, 2016:  An innovative solution to reduce traffic congestion on urban roads conceptualised and developed by a team of 14 Emirati students from the Abu Dhabi Polytechnic emerged as a major crowd-puller at the Abu Dhabi Hardware Show currently underway at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The team presented their innovation, an automatic bridge, at the User Experience Zone of the definitive show, offering visitors a sneak-peek into their prototype of a horizontally-moving automatic bridge.  

Developed under the supervision and guidance of Dr Saud Hamad Al Dajah, Head of the Electromechanical Engineering Department, as well as Dr Mohammad Mazedul Kabir, Lecturer and Dr Saleh Ahmad, Senior Lecturer – both with the Electromechanical Division, the project involved the development of a design concept for a mechanically movable bridge that can accommodate both road and water vehicles. Drawing the support of leading brands in the hardware, tools and materials industry including AEG Powertools, Bolton Adhesives, Irwin Tools, Metabo, Robert Bosch, Stanley Black & Decker / Dewalt, the innovative solution seeks to reduce traffic congestion and promote a more efficient transport system in the emirate.

Unlike the prevalent mechanical bridges seen in countries including Denmark, France, Argentina and England that open in the vertical dimension only, the mechanical bridge designed by the students of Abu Dhabi Polytechnic can be moved horizontally. Comprising two parts, the components of the bridge move in opposing horizontal directions to each other, allowing efficient, smooth and fast flow of road and water traffic. These horizontal movements are controlled automatically through the use of electrical sensors and motors. In addition, safety devices and systems are embedded in the design to protect users.

Michael HäusslerInternational Project Director of Euroexpo Exhibitions & Congress Development GmbH, said: “We are proud to showcase the outstanding creativity of our youth participants and support them in finding innovative solutions to their real-world problems. Through the User Experience Zone at the Abu Dhabi Hardware Show, we provide a platform for our talented and aspiring youth to present their cutting-edge ideas to industry and trade visitors and find the right partners to translate these dreams into reality. Through displaying the latest products and innovations under one roof, Abu Dhabi Hardware Show brings an unprecedented level of innovation to the market and a plethora of benefits to the participants.”

The Abu Dhabi Hardware Show caters to a wide range of industrial requirements including building hardware, industrial hardware, home-ware, DIY and gardening tools, safety tools and lighting equipment. The exhibition has convened more than 6,000 visitors and industry professionals from the UAE and other GCC countries including Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain.

Running from 3-5 October, the Abu Dhabi Hardware Show 2016 has attracted the participation of leading names in the industry including German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK), German Tool Manufactures Association (FWI), Robert Bosch, Stanley, Black & Decker, Dewalt, KNIPEX-Werk Wuppertal and Weicon.