The end of the year is almost upon us. Have you taken the opportunity to ask yourself what has really changed for you this year? In some areas we have seen significant and exponential change. Automation and Industry 4.0 have shown significant and exponential development. But has this changed anything for you as an individual? Or, maybe the best question to ask is if you understand the impact it has on your future? Are things changing and you are not realising that you are adapting? Or maybe resisting the change?
We are part of a great time in history where innovation is happening at such a rapid pace that we can almost not predict what will happen two years from now. We now have technologies that enable us to use tremendous amounts of data to solve our daily problems. But, I think we have to ask ourselves if we are using this era optimally? Are we collaborating and using every opportunity to be part of multi-disciplinary collaborations to solve problems efficiently? Perhaps a difficult question to answer, especially in the business world, where you might not be the decision maker choosing the way forward.
Within education we are seeing a big drive for change and collaboration between industries to ensure that our educational institutions provide for the future skills needed. We still have a long way to go, but there is hope. People are indeed challenging the old ways of doing things. We are all on a journey of change and each needs to take it at a pace that they can handle. The SAIMC has multiple individuals working towards a common goal to be the ‘voice of automation’, which guides the country to prepare and adapt. If you ever want to be part of this, I urge you to get into contact with us and tell us where you want to contribute.
Sometimes however, it can all be overwhelming. Just dealing with normal life can be a challenge. But, as South Africans, we are very adaptable and have shown the ability to innovate, even in conditions where others would lose hope. So, don’t be too hard on yourself. Take it one day at a time.
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.
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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.
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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.
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