As much as I have desperately tried to keep the hackneyed subject of FIFA World Cup out of this issue of Motion Control, I have failed. The cause of my failure is a fascinating, albeit brief, explanation of how the enormous (35 tonne) soccer ball was 'installed' onto the Telkom Hillbrow Tower. I can see the tower from my home and as I watched the hoisting progress, I was intrigued as to how this was being accomplished. See 'The ball on the tower' for more details.
'Replacement 2 tonne gearbox supplied under 24 hours' is a report of how a local company faced a financial ‘oops’ when a gearbox, weighing 2 tonnes, failed. The original gearbox manufacturer quoted the company an 18-20 week lead time for a replacement gearbox. At this stage, I can only surmise that the directors of the company had become rather distressed. Fortunately, the day was saved by a supplier that was able to manufacture a new gearbox in less than 24 hours – no mean feat. Here is hoping that, whilst at it, the end-user ordered two new gearboxes from their saviour... the second gearbox as a spare.
I have long voiced the opinion that engineering personnel need to have at least a reasonable understanding of business economics and finance. As much as we may love the technology and gadgets (ie, all the nice technological toys), technology does not drive business. Money drives business. If we do not willingly embrace an understanding of business finance, the bean counters will force us to comply anyway. We may as well embrace the understanding willingly. Jim Pinto has more to say on the subject in 'Re-engineer yourself and finding the right job'.
Next-generation motor management solution Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events Other technologies
Schneider Electric has launched its TeSys Tera motor management solution in the West African market, combining advanced motor protection, digital connectivity and real-time diagnostics for manufacturing, mining and water applications.
Read more...Integrated Air Solutions places energy efficiency at centre stage
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Integrated Air Solutions will showcase Tier 1 compressor brands, advanced technologies and compressed air solutions at Electra Mining Africa 2026, with energy efficiency and total cost of ownership at the core of its exhibition theme.
Read more...SI programme strengthens partner ecosystem Schneider Electric South Africa
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Schneider Electric will soon officially launch its new System Integrator (SI) Programme, which will mark a major change in how the company partners with industrial automation specialists across Southern, East and West Africa.
Read more...OMRON Robotics demos next-generation autonomous mobile robots
Editor's Choice News & events Robotics & Mechatronics
Advancing smarter material flow with the all-new LD-150 and LD-300 AMRs, OMRON Robotics demonstrated the next generation of its flagship LD series autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at Automate 2026 in June.
Read more...Pump spares and parts for Africa
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KSB Pumps and Valves explains how its decentralised stockholding and local manufacturing keep spares and parts available across its installed base in Africa.
Read more...The hidden heroes who shape Africa’s industrial future Bosch Rexroth Africa
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Behind every industrial success story, there’s a human one. Their names may never appear on a project signboard or in a headline. Yet their expertise and determination keep industries moving every day.
Read more...Bühler Southern Africa leads industry dialogue on apprenticeships
Editor's Choice News & events
Bühler Southern Africa brought together representatives from industry, government and international organisations on 30 June 2026 to explore how quality apprenticeships can help bridge the gap between high youth unemployment and industry demand for skilled technical workers.
Read more...New digital tool reconditioning portal puts customers fully in control
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Sandvik Coromant has upgraded its tool reconditioning service for solid round tools. The upgraded service replaces a previously manual, multi-stage workflow with a streamlined, fully online experience that dramatically reduces quotation and turnaround times.
Read more...New automation innovations on show at Electra Mining Africa 2026
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South African engineers are leaders in innovation and technology development. Many of these innovations and newly automated systems will be on display at the largest trade show of its kind in southern Africa, Electra Mining Africa 2026, taking place in Johannesburg later this year.
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