Robotics TechTalk at UKZN

June 2025 News

The Scientific Multidisciplinary Advanced Research Technology (SMART) 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 (RAS) chapter, the Society of Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Computer Engineering (SAIMC), and the Robotics Association of South Africa.

Erin Zietsman spoke about the advantages of being a student member of IEEE, and the benefits of being part of the Robotics and Automation chapter. Members then watched a video of the robot, Pepper, explaining the benefits of being a member of SAIMC. This was followed by an interesting TechTalk by RS South Africa, where Wesley Hood explained the different workshops, educational activities and competitions planned for 2025. RS also had a display where students could ask questions about the support, activities, components and equipment available. Erin and Whitney Mtolo were also interviewed by RS and talked about their research interests and passion for mechatronics engineering. Thank you, RS, for the presentation and the support given us over the years.

For more information contact Riaan Stopforth, UKZN, +27 72 255 3330, [email protected], www.ukzn.ac.za

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