The branch held its April technology event at Zutari’s Cape Town offices in Century City. The event was broadcast on Microsoft Teams as well as attended by some local members. The topic of the presentation delivered by RJConnect’s Robert Wright was ‘Optimisation of control systems through the flexibility of multi-protocol IO’.
The presentation started with an explanation of different industrial communications protocols and their differences. He introduced the concept and covered the advantages of using media converters to simplify protocol requirements. This solution allows manufacturers and developers to develop standard solutions that can be easily adapted for different protocols and equipment. This opens up opportunities to reduce the development time for larger systems and also reduces the rework required for changes imposed by supply chain constraints or project requirements.
By using the media converter option, systems can be created to accommodate different PLCs and equipment, opening the way to solutions that would not previously have been possible. This is a viable approach that can be used to overcome the constraints presented by the global IC shortage that will be felt in the industry for months and years to come.
The SAIMC Cape Town management team would like to thank Robert Wright and RJConnect for the great presentation and hopes to hear from him again in the future. Covid restrictions permitting, the aim is to host several more of these in-person events throughout the year. Readers are invited to monitor the SAIMC website or LinkedIn page for details of these events (https://saimc.co.za/ and www.linkedin.com/company/saimc)
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
The INSPIRE Conference 2026 brought industry and academia together to explore advances in automation, AI, mechatronics and engineering. It also marked a new direction for the SAIMC as it works to build future-ready engineering talent and strengthen South Africa’s automation industry.
Read more...SAIMC Durban takes to the skies SAIMC
SAIMC
SAIMC Durban members went behind the scenes at the ATNS facility at King Shaka International Airport. The visit offered a fascinating look at the sophisticated technology and highly trained people keeping South Africa’s skies safe.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At the SAIMC Durban branch September 2026 technology meeting, Werner Das of SICK explored how deep learning is moving industrial machine vision beyond rule-based systems into practical, everyday quality control on the factory floor.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the COO SAIMC
SAIMC
The recognition of mechatronics and computer engineering has created both an opportunity and a responsibility. Recognition means little without participation, professional registration without professional conduct, and technical knowledge without the mentorship, implementation and measurable value that industry needs.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Hendrik Spies of SICK Automation Southern Africa presented at the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening on 12 August 2026, covering the digital journey from condition monitoring to predictive maintenance.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban branch hosted S’yabonga Langa, systems performance engineer at eThekwini Electricity, who presented on applying substation automation to improve operational efficiency and service quality in modern power distribution networks.
Read more...SAIMC INSPIRE 2026 brings together industry, robotics and research
SAIMC
The inaugural SAIMC INSPIRE Conference will bring together the industrial automation, robotics and academic communities for two days of presentations, panel discussions and networking, and will explore developments in smart manufacturing, mining, robotics
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version