UKZN’s Engineering Winter School
September 2025
News
The University of KwaZulu-Natal recently hosted its annual Engineering Winter School, an event where senior high school students spend a week on the engineering campus engaging in activities organised by each engineering discipline. The student representative for the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society South Africa, Erin Zietsman, helped organise the mechatronic engineering event which formed part of a broader initiative to promote robotics to aspiring engineers. The goal was to introduce students to current challenges in the field and spark their creativity in developing innovative solutions. Students were also informed about the benefits of joining societies such as SAIMC and IEEE.
The event was hosted by the SMART Lab research group, together with the Winter School mentors and several undergraduate volunteers. The core focus of the day was building and flying drones, which were generously sponsored by RS South Africa. Leading up to the hands-on session, students attended presentations on advanced mechatronics concepts and viewed project showcases that highlighted the real-world applications of this emerging field. These talks offered valuable context about the role of mechatronic engineering within the broader engineering landscape.
To encourage interaction and a bit of friendly competition, there was a quiz with prizes. Finally, students teamed up to assemble and fly the drone kits, a highlight of the day that was met with great enthusiasm. Overall, it was an inspiring day that reflected the passion and curiosity of these future engineers. It is exciting to see what innovations this next generation will bring.
For more information contact Riaan Stopforth, UKZN, +27 72 255 3330, [email protected], www.ukzn.ac.za
Further reading:
OMRON Robotics and COMAU to collaborate on expanding advanced industrial automation solutions
Omron Electronics
News
COMAU and OMRON Robotics have signed a strategic collaboration agreement aimed at accelerating the adoption and deployment of advanced industrial automation solutions for manufacturers worldwide.
Read more...
RS South Africa marks 30 years of enabling industry and innovation
RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, marking three decades of supporting local industry, enabling innovation and building strong customer partnerships across the country.
Read more...
Africa’s AI ambitions face critical infrastructure questions
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
As AI investment accelerates globally, Africa is increasingly being viewed as the industry’s next major growth frontier. The continent’s AI ambitions will ultimately depend on its ability to solve one critical challenge: infrastructure readiness.
Read more...
SKF South Africa celebrates 112 years in rotating asset optimisation
SKF South Africa
News
Commemorating 112 years of innovation, premium quality products, cutting-edge technologies and enduring partnerships, SKF South Africa in 2026 enters a defining chapter in strategic rotating asset optimisation.
Read more...
Five reasons why female engineers in SA should become professionally registered
News
According to award-winning engineer and CEO of AvenirHoldings, Tshidi Mndzebele, professional registration is one of the most important steps female engineers can take to strengthen and advance their careers.
Read more...
Closing the energy efficiency gap at SKF’s Tech & Innovation Summit
SKF South Africa
News
SKF is hosting its yearly virtual Tech & Innovation Summit, bringing together industry leaders and experts to showcase technologies, products and solutions designed to help close the energy efficiency gap in industrial operations.
Read more...
Appointment
News
Beckhoff Automation has appointed Scott Hayward as support technician.
Read more...
Mining sector turns to private renewables
News
As the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism enters its permanent phase and global buyers tighten emissions disclosure requirements, South African mining operations are accelerating the integration of privately contracted renewable power into their energy mix.
Read more...
Appointment
Beckhoff Automation
News
Beckhoff Automation has appointed Luzuko Bulembu as technical support engineer.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: You could be doing what?
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Humanoid robots are increasingly featuring in the news. Some of them are a bit creepy, some make you anxious because they might take your job, but others are a lot of fun, and they’re getting better
...
Read more...
printer friendly version