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Automation

Automation is the use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention, encompassing control systems, machinery, software and processes that operate independently or semi-independently. It spans a wide range of applications, from simple mechanised tools to complex integrated systems driven by robotics, artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Automation is a cornerstone of modern manufacturing, mining, pharmaceuticals and automotive production, where it enhances efficiency, precision, consistency and safety. The technology enables continuous operation, reduces labour costs and minimises human error, making it essential for industries seeking competitive advantage in global markets. In the context of Industry 4.0 and digital transformation, automation increasingly incorporates smart sensors, data analytics and machine learning to create adaptive, self-optimising production environments. Adoption of automation is accelerating across Africa, driven by initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, which incentivises productivity gains and quality improvements. However, the shift raises significant skills development challenges, as workforces must transition from manual roles to technical positions involving programming, maintenance and system oversight. Automation also plays a critical role in addressing labour shortages, hazardous working conditions and the need for scalability in resource-intensive sectors. The technology has evolved from early mechanisation in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries through programmable logic controllers in the mid-twentieth century to today's interconnected, intelligent systems that form the backbone of advanced industrial economies.

Automation News


Nelson Mandela Bay faces critical technical skills shortage – business chamber
18th September 2026 By: Irma Venter

The manufacturing sector in Nelson Mandela Bay is facing a technical skills shortage that is constraining the region’s ability to grow, attract investment and create jobs. That is the key indicator... 


From automation to intelligent operations: advancing mining, metals and minerals
From automation to intelligent operations: advancing mining, metals and minerals
17th September 2026

As demand for minerals and materials continues to grow, mining, metals and minerals companies must invest in new capacity while extracting greater value from the assets and infrastructure they... 


Agentic AI is becoming a new architectural layer in business
Agentic AI is becoming a new architectural layer in business
17th September 2026

Agentic AI is becoming a new architectural layer within the business because it can sit between people, data, applications, and workflows. It can operate inside processes, reason across... 


VEGA brings measurement expertise beyond mining to Electra Mining Africa 2026
VEGA brings measurement expertise beyond mining to Electra Mining Africa 2026
16th September 2026

(Virtual Showroom) VEGA exhibited at Electra Mining Africa, held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec. Alongside its long-standing presence in mining, VEGA is used the event to show visitors... 


Siemens launches Meet at the Machine initiative for next-level CNC productivity
Siemens launches Meet at the Machine initiative for next-level CNC productivity
16th September 2026

Siemens today announced Meet at the Machine, a new initiative designed to bring together machine builders, software and automation technologies to accelerate innovation across the machine tool... 


RS South Africa Supports Next-generation Edge Ai With Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano 2
RS South Africa Supports Next-generation Edge Ai With Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano 2
15th September 2026

– RS is supporting the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano 2 robotics computer, a new entry-level edge AI platform designed to deliver next-generation AI performance in a compact, power-efficient format. The... 


The Rise Of Robots In Warehouses
The Rise Of Robots In Warehouses
14th September 2026

The results of this shift could include vast economic growth, inflation dropping to 0% or better, a complete change in healthcare and abundance for all, according to ARK. Or it could be the stuff... 


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RX Africa and Messe Muenchen India join forces to strengthen business platforms in Africa
14th September 2026

Strategic collaboration combines international trade-fair expertise with deep regional market knowledge, bringing analytica Lab Africa, IFAT Africa and Africa Automation Technology Fair together in... 


ABB South Africa local sales and marketing manager Ettienne Delport spoke with Engineering News & Mining Weekly at this year’s Electra Mining event, held in Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026, about some of the challenges the company’s customers face today and how ABB is helping them improve performance.
ABB’s solutions help bridge the gap between engineering, digitalisation
10th September 2026

With a focus on enabling a more sustainable and resource efficient future, global technology leader in electrification and automation ABB connects its engineering and digitalisation expertise to... 


Hyterra logo
Understanding that the radio network in a mine is critical infrastructure
10th September 2026

South African mining is becoming increasingly connected Across South Africa, mining has been investing in automation, telemetry, tracking, real-time monitoring, data analytics and video to improve... 


Tru-Trac highlights growing role of belt, thermal scanning in conveyor reliability
Tru-Trac highlights growing role of belt, thermal scanning in conveyor reliability
9th September 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

As conveyor systems become increasingly critical to production performance in mining and bulk materials handling operations, advanced thermal scanning technologies are emerging as a powerful tool... 


CGI Controlgear projects director Hendrik Pretorius and Schneider Electric Vice President - Transactional Business Southern Africa Rohan Persadh spoke to Engineering News & Mining Weekly during the Electra Mining Africa event, held in Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026.
CGI Controlgear showcases turnkey solutions at Electra Mining
9th September 2026

CGI Controlgear provides full turnkey electrical, control and instrumentation solutions, which include consultation, project engineering, design, manufacturing, system integration, site... 


SEW-EURODRIVE national sales and marketing manager Jonathan McKey
SEW-EURODRIVE demonstrates how strong local capability builds sustainable customer partnerships
9th September 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

The presence of strong local capabilities and sustainable customer relationships at Electra Mining Africa, being held in Nasrec, Johannesburg, this week, has confirmed to drive and automation... 


Innomotics country director Tim Walwyn spoke with Engineering News & Mining Weekly during the Electra Mining Africa event, held in Johannesburg from September 7 to 11, 2026.
Innomotics showcases integrated technology for more sustainable mining
8th September 2026

As mining companies across Africa seek to improve productivity, energy efficiency and environmental performance, the integration of electrification, automation and digitalisation technologies is... 


Jonathan McKey, National Sales and Marketing Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE
Sew-eurodrive Demonstrates How Strong Local Capability Builds Sustainable Customer Partnerships At Electra Mining Africa
8th September 2026

Its presence at Electra Mining Africa 2026 confirmed to SEW-EURODRIVE that customers are seeking not only the highest levels of innovation and workmanship, but also comprehensive support throughout... 


WEG Africa marketing executive Rodrigo Cetenareski spoke to Engineering News & Mining Weekly during the Electra Mining Africa event, held in Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026.
WEG Africa showcases global manufacturing capability at Electra Mining
7th September 2026

WEG is a global manufacturer of energy-efficient electric motors, automation technologies, power transmission and distribution equipment, renewable energy solutions, and industrial coatings.... 


SEW-EURODRIVE MD Raymond Obermeyer spoke to Engineering News & Mining Weekly during the Electra Mining Africa event, held in Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026.
SEW-EURODRIVE celebrates 40 years of innovation in South Africa
7th September 2026

As SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa celebrates its 40th anniversary, the company is reflecting on four decades of growth, innovation and close partnerships with industry. From its beginnings in 1986,... 


CHARLENE HEFER  This year’s Electra Mining Africa is 4 000 square metres bigger than previous editions – a brand new record
Electra Mining Africa 2026 gears up for biggest edition yet
7th September 2026 By: Shannon de Ryhove

Leading industrial trade exhibition Electra Mining Africa (EMA) 2026 is set to deliver its biggest and most comprehensive exhibition in the event's 54-year history, with a record-breaking... 


Image of igus hybrid cables
Hybrid cables for automation applications
4th September 2026

Cable manufacturer igus South Africa has expanded its readycable hybrid range to include harnessed hybrid cables for Siemens SINAMICS S210 drives with OCC interfaces and SEW-EURODRIVE motors with... 


Electra Mining Africa: More to see, learn and experience
Electra Mining Africa: More to see, learn and experience
3rd September 2026

Electra Mining Africa is one of the world’s leading mining, engineering and industrial trade exhibitions, bringing together the technologies, expertise and people driving change across industry.... 


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