The February Technology Evening was hosted by Phoenix Contact South Africa. Kevin Preston, who is currently in their employ as group manager CIS & IE, presented on industrial wireless technology. Kevin is currently responsible for the Interface, I/O and Networks and CIS product ranges.
The presentation covered the full gambit of industrial wireless technology in the automation field and addressed the various technologies and topologies, namely Trusted Wireless, Industrial Bluetooth, Wireless LAN/Ethernet, 3G/GSM based systems and Wireless HART.
Mike Banda (right) thanks Kevin Preston after the presentation.
These technologies all co-exist in the same frequency band, are licence-free and are not affected by electromagnetic interference from plant and machinery. These systems are all capable of being integrated into existing systems and are compatible with all scada, DCS and PLC suppliers.
These technologies are growing in popularity due to their secure, cost-effective ease of installation in a broad spectrum of applications. Included in the presentation were case studies of various operational systems covering a vast array of applications.
The case studies covered applications both local and abroad, but were relevant to local industry. Some of the applications included:
• Replacement of cables on overhead cranes.
• Mobile vehicle connections in warehouses and plants.
• Vernacular control at Cape Point.
• Aircraft gate support systems.
• Leaky cable for track-guided systems, mainly in automotive manufacture.
• Control of revolving machinery such as stranding machines.
• Safe wireless transport systems for elevators.
• Remote mill monitoring and bag filling.
• Centrifuge control and monitoring at waste water plants.
• Safe wireless control and monitoring of fuel tank farms.
The Johannesburg branch of the SAIMC thanks Kevin for his valuable and informative presentation that was very well received.
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