​Prof Thinus Booysen from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University recently delivered his inaugural lecture titled “Engineering for Africa: Our Internet of Things". Booysen spoke to the Division of Corporate Communication and Marketing about how his research is helping to improve the livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable.

Tell us more about your research and why you became interested in this specific field.

My team and I conduct research on a variety of topics including water, energy, water and electricity costs at schools, minibus taxis, and computer vision.

We have developed Internet-of-Things devices that have made a real difference in the lives of many people. The first is Geasy, our home-grown smart electric water heater controller, which remotely controls and monitors temperature, electricity, water, and a few other things. Its younger sibling, Count Dropula, does high resolution water metering. And there is Watts-on, which measures and reports electricity usage. We have also created a few other devices, such as a mobile phone-based spectrophotometer to measure water quality, a driving behaviour sensor, and quite a few mobility trackers. Through these and other research projects we aim to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and improve livelihoods – especially of the poor and vulnerable.

As to why I became interested in this particular field of research, I would say my very short attention span, abundantly wide field of interest, desire to optimise, inherent control freakishness, and deeply rooted desire to understand things have been a perfect match for this field.

How would you describe the relevance of your work?

I use technology to bring about efficiency, cost reduction, improved custodianship of the environment, improved health, safety, and equity in various spheres of life. 

Can you tell us more about the social impact of your research?

I realise we need research of all sorts and I only represent a small fraction of all of that, but for me personally, my research would be meaningless without social impact. I feel like I am wasting taxpayers' money and urgent opportunities if I do not make the most of this amazing opportunity I have been given to find solutions to our many problems, and truth in our many uncertainties. My students know that this is the foundation and point of departure of our projects. To loosely quote the good book: show me research impact without social impact, and I will show you research impact through social impact.

What aspects of your work do you enjoy the most?

Moulding and sculpting the minds and world perspectives of, and giving direction to, eager and hardworking students. Opportunities for this are manifold in both teaching and supervision of research projects. I also find great enjoyment in unearthing truths in things that appear well understood. 

The pandemic has changed the way we work and live. What keeps you motivated during these times?

In all honesty, the pandemic has been devastating in many ways for us as lecturers, and even more so for the students. I can see my students are still bearing the brunt of the experience, with the impact of solitude during a crucial development phase still crippling some of them. Fortunately, I am married to a very stable, supportive, and loving wife, who has been a pillar of strength for me. If it was not for her, I would not even have completed my PhD, never mind progressed in my career.

Tell us something exciting about yourself that people would not expect.

I bake a few sourdough breads every week. I find the kneading destresses me. To my children's horror, I sometimes infuse the bread with healthy veggies by replacing water with juiced carrots, kale, spinach, etc. I love the taste of yeast, which means I also enjoy marmite and beer.

How do you spend your free time away from lectures and research?

In our marriage, my wife and I split the responsibilities equally, which means most of my free time is spent cooking and sorting out the children. I love hiking in the mountains, mountain biking, listening to The Economist, and baking bread.  

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