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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 Updates


PC Kruger, Business Line Manager Crushing at Sandvik Rock Processing
Sandvik Delivers First CH662 Cone Crushers to South African Platinum Project
12th June 2026

Signalling Africa’s growing appetite for state-of-the-art mining technology, Sandvik Rock Processing is delivering the first Sandvik CH662 cone crushers to a platinum mining project in South... 


The above imafe depicts a pneumatic system
Product portfolio helps build, maintain pneumatics systems
12th June 2026

As compressed air has become a “cornerstone” of industrial productivity in many sectors, pneumatic systems are widely valued for their versatility, operational safety and efficiency. Consequently,... 


Zebra Technologies senior account manager Bianca Dalgarno and FarEye cofounder Gautam Kumar, whose companies are technology partners of Bidvest Mobility, speak to Engineering News at the Transport Evolution Africa Forum and Expo in Midrand about the role of digital solutions in transforming transport and logistics. Camerawork and editing: Shadwyn Dickonson.
Bidvest Mobility partners showcase digital logistics solutions at Transport Evolution Africa
10th June 2026 By: Mariaan Webb

Technology partners of Bidvest Mobility, Zebra Technologies and FarEye, highlighted the growing role of digitalisation, automation and AI in improving transport and logistics efficiency at the... 


Innomotics demonstrates how AI-enabled solutions are being used to convert traditional engineering documentation into integrated digital intelligence
Innomotics AI-driven digitalisation transforms engineering workflows
9th June 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Digitalisation and AI are increasingly reshaping the way industrial projects are engineered, executed and operated, with mine companies seeking new ways to unlock value from vast amounts of... 


Skills Transfer and Continuous Training: Key to the Future Competitiveness of South Africa’s Plastics Industry
Skills Transfer and Continuous Training: Key to the Future Competitiveness of South Africa’s Plastics Industry
9th June 2026

As South Africa’s plastics manufacturing sector navigates rapid technological change, sustainability demands and increasing global competition, industry leaders are warning that skills development... 


BMW rolls out pilot studies on humanoid robot use in US, German plants; no deployment planned for SA
BMW rolls out pilot studies on humanoid robot use in US, German plants; no deployment planned for SA
8th June 2026 By: Irma Venter

BMW is rolling out a pilot project to deploy humanoid robots at its Leipzig plant, in Germany. This follows the completion of the first pilot deployment of humanoid robots at the BMW Spartanburg... 


Image of Jendamark Automation’s catalytic converter shrinker machine`
Locally manufactured catalytic converter ‘shrinker’ machine exported globally
5th June 2026

Innovative technology for ‘shrinking’ catalytic converters designed and built in South Africa by Jendamark Automation for the global market, uses SEW-EURODRIVE’s servo-geared units and motion... 


Upstream Technology’s non-nuclear DMC sensor delivers reliable, maintenance-free
control of Dense Medium Separation plant density cut points while supporting improved safety and
regulatory compliance.
Upstream Technology says sensors are critical to the future of mining
2nd June 2026

In the race toward smarter, safer and more efficient mines, one technology often sits quietly in the background: sensors. For De Beers’ Upstream Technology, sensors are not just part of the system;... 


An image of AVEVA World Milan 2026
AVEVA supports mining, metals companies to meet increasing demand
1st June 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

Mining and metals companies are working to maximise production and ensure they produce high-quality products with the lowest possible environmental impact and at competitive prices, and industrial... 


The above image depicts one of Zizwe's undergrounf mining operations
Integrated approach optimises operations
29th May 2026 By: Lynne Davies

By ensuring continuous material flow and reducing bottlenecks between the pit, stockpiles and processing plant, an integrated on-site materials handling approach plays a critical role in optimising... 


Automation in African Manufacturing: Unlocking the Continent’s Industrial Potential
Automation in African Manufacturing: Unlocking the Continent’s Industrial Potential
26th May 2026

As Africa accelerates its industrialisation agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), automation is emerging as one of the most powerful tools to unlock productivity,... 


An image of a product demonstration
German-engineered solutions meet evolving local demands
22nd May 2026 By: Nadine Ramdass

Advanced technologies, sensor and measuring instrument manufacturer VEGA GRIESHABER KG brings German-engineered solutions to Southern Africa’s mining industry, improving efficiency, safety and... 


MODERN MINING University of Pretoria’s engineering- and mining-related education and skills development programmes are enabling a transition to digital mining
Programmes shifting to modern education, training improves mining operations
22nd May 2026

Mining education and skills development programmes are continuing to shift from traditional theoretical methods to immersive digital methods, says tertiary education institution University of... 


ABB South Africa electrification commercial leader and ELDS division manager Egon Worthmann
ABB helps industries run at high performance to be more resource efficient
19th May 2026

Global technology leader in electrification and automation ABB South Africa electrification commercial leader and ELDS division manager Egon Worthmann speaks to Engineering News at Enlit Africa... 


Anton Lourens, CEO of Booyco Electronics
Technology and Education Remain Critical to Advancing Safety in the Mining Sector, Says Booyco Electronics
15th May 2026

As mining operations across Africa continue to evolve in scale, complexity and automation, the role of advanced safety technologies has become increasingly important in protecting people, equipment... 


The component
Remote control valve enables pneumatic speed control
15th May 2026

An electric speed controller for pneumatic systems has  been launched by pneumatics equipment supplier SMC. The company says the PFES Series enables remote adjustment of pneumatic actuator speed.... 


An image of a automotive assembly line
Structural constraints leave OEMs’ supply chain exposed
15th May 2026 By: Nadine Ramdass

Despite experiencing frequent supply chain disruptions over the last six years, suppliers remain reactive rather than proactive, owing to structural constraints within the value chain, leaving... 


generic image of valves
Local valve industry under pressure
15th May 2026 By: Devina Haripersad

The local valve and actuator manufacturing industry is under strain, with several factors affecting performance in recent years, says valve manufacturing industry body the South African Valve and... 


Inside Lesco
Lesco doubles capacity as it rolls out semi-robotic production lines at its Joburg plant
12th May 2026 By: Irma Venter

Local manufacturer of electrical and consumer products Lesco has unveiled its new semi-robotic production lines at its Johannesburg plant. The third-generation South African manufacturer says the... 


Why Services is the new frontier for ambitious talent
Why Services is the new frontier for ambitious talent
8th May 2026

By: Lloyd Perumal - Operations Manager at Schneider Electric As technology reshapes every aspect of modern industry, Services has emerged as one of the few career paths where innovation meets... 


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