Your chance to make a difference by supporting UKZN’s SMART Lab research
November 2025
News
UKZN’s Scientific Multidisciplinary Advanced Research Technologies (SMART) Lab is at the forefront of tackling international challenges through innovative, multidisciplinary solutions. From medical and prosthetic devices to accident reconstruction, additive manufacturing and alternative energy, the lab focuses on research that makes a tangible difference to society.
Housed within SMART are specialised units including the Search and Rescue Division, Bio-Engineering Unit, Touch Prosthetics, Stopforth Mechatronics, Robotics and Research Lab and Accident Specialist Unit, some of which have been active since 2009. The majority of the lab’s students come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, and the lab is committed to equipping them with the skills and experience needed to address complex problems while ensuring they can sustain themselves through subsistence, accommodation, transport and research-related activities.
Projects undertaken in the lab address current, real-world challenges, while encouraging students to pursue areas they are passionate about, a formula that ensures innovation and continuity. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the lab collaborated with hospitals to develop new technologies, demonstrating both agility and societal impact.
SMART Lab’s work has gained international recognition. The lab has participated in globally-respected events such as accident reconstruction competitions, the Cybathlon 2020, and 2024 prosthetic Olympics where South Africa’s Touch Hand team achieved 10th place among 16 international teams. Research from the lab is regularly published in international journals and presented at conferences where sponsors are acknowledged, and lab members serve actively on the committees of international organisations.
At the start of this year, the lab faced a challenge in securing scholarships for its students. Companies affiliated with the SAIMC now have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact through sponsorships in the form of equipment, research expenses or bursaries to support students’ living and study costs. These contributions are not only tax deductible, but will also directly support the next generation of innovators.
Additionally, SMART Lab is in the process of relocating following flooding last year, which will require investment in furnishing, workstations, drywalling and other infrastructure to create a functional and safe research environment. Support from sponsors will ensure the lab continues to operate at the cutting edge of multidisciplinary research.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities please contact Riaan Stopforth, UKZN, +27 72 255 3330, [email protected], www.ukzn.ac.za
Further reading:
Buyout model for solar investment
News
Sustainable Power Solutions has introduced a buyout model that converts existing solar and battery systems into immediate capital for South African businesses.
Read more...
Innovation award for Beckhoff’s XTS machine
Beckhoff Automation
News
The Premio Innovazione award has confirmed that Tetra Pak’s Cap Applicator 40 Speed Hyper has achieved a machine solution that pushes the boundaries of conventional packaging lines with a highly dynamic mechatronic solution based on XTS technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...
Vision meets reality at the Africa Automation Indaba
News
At the Africa Automation Indaba 2026, the panel ‘Automation for Africa – Opportunities, Challenges and Next Steps’ will feature a rare, high-level exchange where technology, ethics, entrepreneurship and data-driven reality shape what comes next for the continent.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: A tool not a crutch
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Every year, the dictionaries try to summarise a year of human behaviour with a single word, the word of the year. You can question the value of this, but it’s quite entertaining. Words are important,
...
Read more...
Timken funds Kids Haven STEM classroom
News
A bright new chapter in digital education has begun at Kids Haven with the official opening of a fully equipped STEM classroom at the Kids Haven Village. This exciting addition was generously donated by Timken South Africa and expertly installed by Breadline Africa.
Read more...
Technology trends that will and won’t shape 2026
News
A whitepaper by ABI Research shows that a clear trend is taking shape, and 2026 is set to be characterised by practical, outcome-driven change.
Read more...
RS South Africa shapes future engineering talent
RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa is demonstrating that nurturing future engineers goes beyond traditional classrooms or competitions. On STEM Day, the company shone a light on the full spectrum of its educational initiatives.
Read more...
ABB and Compu-Power bring high-efficiency UPS innovation to IS3 X-Change 2025
News
ABB recently participated in the 31st annual IS
3X-Change 2025 in Cape Town, alongside its long-standing channel partner Compu-Power.
Read more...
UKZN’s SMART lab wins aviation award
News
: The SMART Lab at UKZN was awarded first place in the Aviation Research and Development category at the Civil Aviation Authority of South Africa’s award ceremony for outstanding contributions and achievements in the aviation sector.
Read more...
Meta and partners announce completion of 2Africa subsea cable system
News
Meta, in partnership with leading global and regional telecommunications companies, has announced the completion and activation of the core 2Africa subsea cable system. This marks a historic milestone in digital infrastructure, establishing what the world’s longest open-access subsea cable system.
Read more...
printer friendly version