SAIMC Durban
April 2026
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC held its monthly meeting on 4 March 2026. James Adams from Adroit Technologies presented to a full house on the subject of ‘The intelligent factory: AI, digital twins, zero-defect production, and cybersecurity in modern automotive manufacturing’.

Branch GM, Mfanasibili Nkonyane thanks James Adams from Adroit Technologies.
He explained that the automotive industry has undergone one of the most profound transformations in its history in the last decade. Factories that once relied on mechanical precision now depend on data, intelligence and connectivity at every level. Today’s production lines are no longer just automated, they are becoming aware. Digital twins simulate entire assembly processes before a single bolt is tightened, AI systems detect defects invisible to the human eye, and predictive models prevent failures before they occur. The catch is that as vehicles and factories become smarter, they also become more exposed, and cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important. James’ presentation showed how AI, digital twins, zero-defect manufacturing, and robust cyber defence are converging to create the intelligent automotive factory. This is a new era where quality, efficiency and security are engineered into every step of production.
James is a seasoned professional in industrial automation, serving as a key account manager after five years as a support engineer at Adroit Technologies. His expertise includes Mitsubishi factory automation products and advanced technologies for the water industry, helping clients modernise operations and improve efficiency.
Branch team member, Whitney Mtolo interviewed James after his presentation. Watch it at https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSuecPryX/
Further reading:
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.
Read more...
From the office of the CEO: Introduction to GRIP
SAIMC
SAIMC
Industry has long been concerned about graduates who have no understanding of the modern equipment they will face in industry. This has triggered an investigation into the possibility of creating a facility whereby graduates register with the SAIMC and rotate through all the vendors to obtain experience on modern equipment.
Read more...
SAIMC: Durban branch
SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Branch hosted a technology meeting featuring a presentation by Abacus Automation on the practical role of AI in industrial automation, drawing considerable interest from attendees.
Read more...
SAIMC: Johannesburg branch
SAIMC
SAIMC
Instrotech recently hosted a technical presentation on load cell technology and applications at the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening, presented by Trevor Salzwedel. The session covered load cell fundamentals, selection and installation, mechanical considerations and calibration methods.
Read more...
SAIMC: Johannesburg Golf Day
SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Golf Day on 22 May 2026 brought together 16 four-balls for a day of golf, networking and fundraising, with generous support from sponsors across the instrumentation and control sector.
Read more...
SAIMC to exhibit at Electra Mining Africa 2026
SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC International INSPIRE Conference 2026 will be held on 14 and 15 October 2026
Read more...
SAIMC’s International INSPIRE Conference
SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC International INSPIRE Conference 2026 will be held on 14 and 15 October 2026.
Read more...
Knowledge Sharing for Industry: SAIMC’s June 2026 event
SAIMC
SAIMC
SAIMC will host a technical presentation focused on an important challenge facing modern industry, tracking and tracing across increasingly complex supply chains.
Read more...
SAIMC: Johannesburg branch
SAIMC
SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch had the privilege of being hosted by Phoenix Contact for our technology event in May. Shamil Surbun, BU manager for Automation, presented a CPD-accredited session on ‘From Sensor to Cloud: How SPE and APL Are Transforming Industrial Connectivity’.
Read more...
From the office of the CEO: Power Hour goes national
SAIMC
SAIMC
South Africa’s automation, control, mechatronics and computer engineering community is changing fast, and the SAIMC is changing with it. I am excited to announce a new national initiative that will reshape how we deliver technical knowledge, strengthen branch identity and bring our community together like never before.
Read more...