The 13th Annual National Competition for Mechanical Engineering Design (LNT-RBM them in designing mechanical systems. This year, the focus of the competition is the design of a "Mobility Aid for the Elderly", which is aimed at improving the quality of life of the elderly through innovative technology. This theme was raised considering the mobility challenges that parents often face. Participants were challenged to create a solution that was not only functional but could also be mass produced at an affordable cost. This competition opens up great opportunities for students to apply the knowledge they have learned, especially in the field of mechanical engineering, into a real product that can provide direct benefits to society.
The main aim of LNT-RBM XIII is to encourage Mechanical Engineering students to be more active in developing technology, especially those that have a direct impact on people's lives. This year, the focus on mobility aids for the elderly was taken in response to the urgent needs of an increasingly aging population. With technology that is friendlier to elderly users, it is hoped that they can enjoy a better quality of life. Participants follow a series of processes, starting with submitting a design proposal explaining the concept and benefits of the tool they are designing. Proposals are then assessed based on several criteria such as creativity, originality of design, functionality, and application of mechanical engineering knowledge. Each team that passes to the finalist stage must present the results of their work in front of a jury consisting of experts in the field of mechanical engineering.
The 2024 LNT-RBM XIII competition was held at the Bela International Hotel, located in Ternate, North Maluku. This hotel was chosen as the venue because of its strategic location and facilities that support the running of the event. As one of the best hotels in North Maluku, Bela International Hotel provides a comfortable space for participants to present their innovations. Ternate was also chosen because it has a long history as a center for trade and innovation in eastern Indonesia. With this background, it is hoped that Ternate can become a symbol of inspiration for participants to produce innovative works that have a big impact on society.
LNT-RBM XIII will be held on October 2 2024 at Ternate, North Maluku. This competition was attended by students from various universities in Indonesia, especially those taking the Mechanical Engineering study program. This year, the number of finalists who successfully passed was 20 delegates from various universities and institutes. Khairun University hosted LNT-RBM XIII, strengthening its reputation as one of the universities that supports technological development in Eastern Indonesia. The Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK) also participated in the competition. ITK sent four delegates from the Mechanical Engineering study program. The delegates are Alev Putra Alfandy (class of 2023), Ageng Margyatno (class of 2021), Kelvin Febriano Wiranata Suisman (class of 2023), and Muhammad Rayes Attila (class of 2023). The ITK team is guided by Kholiq Deliasgarin Radyantho, S.T., M.T. as well as with full support from the Mechanical Engineering study program in various forms, such as technical guidance to supporting facilities for participation in competitions. For progressing to the finalist stage, they won an award in the "Best Design Methodology" category, an achievement that not only marked an achievement for the delegates, but also became a motivation for the ITK Mechanical Engineering study program to win more championships in the future. This award is recognition of a mature, structured and innovative methodological approach in designing mobility aids.
Apart from ITK, several other universities also participated in LNT-RBM
Elderly Friendly Hydraulic Sitting Closet” as the winner in the Best Functionality category, Pasundan University with the “Multifunctional Transfer Chair” design as the Best Manufacturability category winner, Veteran National Development University Jakarta with the “Multifunctional Wheelchair with Sitting Stick” design as the Best Creativity category winner. Apart from these categories, there are also awards such as Best Originality Design, Best CAD Modeling, and Best Proposal Writing which were won by delegates from other universities which further shows that innovation in the LNT-RBM competition is assessed from various points of view.
LNT-RBM XIII 2024 is not only a competition event, but also a golden opportunity for Mechanical Engineering students to develop real and useful innovations. With full support from various institutions, including ITK which also sent delegates, it is hoped that this competition can produce innovations that can make a real contribution to the lives of the elderly. By designing mobility aids, the participants not only demonstrated technical skills, but also high social concern for community groups in need