Eric Carter (left) presents Ernst with the SAIMC certificate while Alvin Seitz looks on.
The July technology evening was hosted by Festo in Isando, where Ernst Smith who took us through the electric alternative of motion control.
Automation is generally defined as controlling the movement of things and is often implemented pneumatically or hydraulically. While these offer quick movement combined with fairly high actuation forces, hydraulic equipment is expensive to buy, and pneumatic equipment is expensive to run (most people don’t realise the cost of compressed air). Both lack precision in positioning.
Ernst started with motor types (stepper and servo). He illustrated his extremely informative talk with examples of how anything can be moved around with electric actuation at high speed and with extreme precision. With hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, for instance, position control is often limited to one or two positions usually not that well defined. Through the use of devices such as encoders, for example, very precise positioning can be achieved, as well as the speed at which it happens.
Ernst delivered a thoroughly entertaining presentation and although he ran slightly over time, there was not one yawn, fidget or desire shown to leave. Festo also provided the catering for this much appreciated event.
The branch thanks Ernst for his valued and informative presentation.
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: Eastern Cape branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Eastern Cape Branch co-hosted a satellite viewing site for ICRA 2026 at Nelson Mandela University, giving postgraduate students, academics and local industry professionals access to premier international robotics and automation keynote sessions.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg Technology Evening SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch July Technology Evening, hosted by WIKA Instruments, covered key level measurement technologies and featured live product demonstrations from area sales manager Anthony Terblanche.
Read more...International robotics conference streams live to Africa
SAIMC
The SAIMC hosted five live-stream viewing events across South Africa for the IEEE International Conference of Robotics and Automation in Vienna, bringing global robotics research and technology directly to local industry and academia.
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