Crown Publications

Details In his Comment upfront in this July 2026 issue of Electricity + Control, Professor Ian Jandrell raises the topic of AI – its widespread and accelerating impacts and, specifically, its impact on media, especially social media, and how that affects media credibility. This was one of the  many issues spotlighted at the African Data Science Conference recently hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand. Be sure to read this piece for a clear perspective on AI, its value and its dangers.

Details According to the African Development Bank, Africa's manufacturing sector generated about R6.7 trillion in economic value in 2025, up from around R5.4 trillion in 2020. Yet despite this progress, the continent reportedly accounts for less than 2% of global manufacturing output, These numbers indicate how far Africa has come and the scale of opportunity ahead. Bosch Rexroth Africa recognises that strong partnerships, involving local expertise, will drive  industrial success across Africa.

In African mining, where high costs, harsh environments and tight margins prevail, maintenance can make or break profitability. As the mining sector continues to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), SEW-EURODRIVE has incorporated this technology in its DriveRadar® solution – which makes for higher reliability, lower maintenance costs and reduced downtime in drive systems. DriveRadar® IoT Suite enables real-time monitoring and analysis of drive system performance from anywhere.

In warehousing, materials handling and many other motion control applications, inclination sensors need to be selected carefully. The JBC dynamic inclination sensor from ifm offers an innovative solution for accurate angle measurement, even in the event of disturbances such as a vehicle starting or braking, or vibrations and shocks. The device detects acceleration and rotation in three dimensions, as well as monitoring temperature data.

Comtest, local representative for Fluke, now has Fluke’s new AF2082 A-Frame available for the local market. This specialised accessory developed for use with compatible Fluke underground utility locator systems is designed to help technicians quickly locate faults in underground cables. The AF2082 enables precise fault detection by measuring voltage gradients in the ground, helping crews pinpoint damaged cables faster and more accurately. The Fluke AF2082 A-Frame underground utilities transmitter.

Details As power systems around the world continue to evolve, the challenges for developing and operating transmission and distribution networks become increasingly similar. The acceleration of the energy transition, the growth of distributed energy resources, electrification, digitalisation and changing patterns of electricity demand are transforming the way networks are planned, operated and managed.

Grid operators are increasingly adopting digital substations, intelligent monitoring, and SF₆-free technologies to boost reliability, cut lifecycle emissions, and meet rising electricity demand across industrial and urban networks. As utilities ramp up investment in transmission infrastructure, grid modernisation, and renewable energy integration, the global high-voltage (HV) switchgear market is forecast to expand rapidly through 2030.

As a small manufacturing enterprise, Creslow Energy Solutions has been recognised for its innovation, resilience, and remarkable achievements. Having started as a garage business in 2021, Creslow Energy Solutions has grown to occupy a 3 146 m2 production facility, with a strong engineering team. This 100% Black-owned, 50% Black Women-owned, Level 1 B-BBEE manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries, based in Johannesburg, was founded in 2021 by husband-and-wife team Kriban and Reneka Govender.

As a small manufacturing enterprise, Creslow Energy Solutions has been recognised for its innovation, resilience, and remarkable achievements. Having started as a garage business in 2021, Creslow Energy Solutions has grown to occupy a 3 146 m2 production facility, with a strong engineering team. This 100% Black-owned, 50% Black Women-owned, Level 1 B-BBEE manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries, based in Johannesburg, was founded in 2021 by husband-and-wife team Kriban and Reneka Govender.

Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM) and Mintek, South Africa’s national mineral research organisation, recently announced a breakthrough achievement in the country’s critical minerals sector: the successful production of high-purity Mixed Rare Earth products at Mintek’s laboratory facilities as critical feedstock for global megatrends in the energy transition, digital transition and medical applications.