Festo recently hosted the first online press conference in South Africa at its Isando offices, giving an exclusive preview of the company’s latest innovations in automation showcased at the 2014 Hanover Fair. “We are excited to be able to offer a local, direct experience of the Fair,” said business development manager, Russell Schwulst. With the theme 'Integrated industry – next steps', the fair addressed the introduction and practical implementation of the German government’s Industry 4.0 initiative in which Festo is heavily involved. Industry 4.0 is being hailed as the fourth industrial revolution.
The Festo team seen at the online press conference, from l: Tracey Swart, marketing coordinator; Marthinus Venter, industry segment manager; Russell Schwulst, business development manager; Brian Abbott, pneumatic product manager.
“Automation is getting ever closer to the idea of work pieces controlling their own production,” explained Schwultz. “Traditional and rigid central control systems are giving way to decentralised intelligence that will allow machines, plant, work pieces and components to exchange data and messages in real time. The smart factory of the future is fully networked and integrated,” he continued. “Festo’s automation platform, CPX is an important milestone on this road towards integrated industry.”
Among the other exciting new technologies presented by Festo experts was the BionicKangaroo, complete with 3D-printed tail, which like its natural model can recover the energy generated from jumping, store it and efficiently use it for the next jump; and the SupraMotion exhibits – SupraHandling, SupraShuttle and SupraChanger – demonstrated the frictionless movement of hovering objects without any contact – the first possible applications of superconductor technology in the automation sector of tomorrow.
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...Schneider Electric launches first Innovation Hub in Africa Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first Innovation Hub in Africa. This provides an interactive environment where visitors can explore the company’s integrated solutions across key segments and businesses such as energy, buildings, data centres, industrial, and power and grid.
Read more...A strategic milestone for Conical Technologies Conical Technologies
News
Conical Technologies has been appointed as the sole distributor in southern Africa for Mibbo, manufacturers of a vast array of products for the automation industry.
Read more...Robotics TechTalk at UKZN
News
The Scientific Multidisciplinary Advanced Research Technology Lab at the University of KwaZulu-Natal recently held an exciting TechTalk. It was an opportunity to introduce students to the IEEE Robotics and Automation chapter, SAIMC, and the Robotics Association of South Africa.
Read more...Schneider Electric honoured with Gender Leader Award Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric has been awarded the Gender Leader Award at this year’s Africa CEO Forum. This award acknowledges those organisations operating in Africa that have shown a significant and continuous commitment to gender diversity and inclusion.
Read more...Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 closes on a high note
News
The Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 officially wrapped up after three dynamic days at Gallagher Convention Centre, cementing its status as Africa’s leading platform for industrial automation, AI and IoT.
Read more...A new generation of solar professionals
News
A new generation of solar professionals is rising in Cape Town. The second cohort of the Solar Youth Project has just completed an intensive eight-week training course and is ready to take on the next stage, 10 months of work experience.
Read more...From the editor's desk: The age of superintelligence Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
In this issue of SA Instrumentation & Control we say farewell to our longstanding contributing editor, Michael Brown, who is retiring soon. His outstanding contribution over the years in the field of ...
printer friendly version