Yaskawa Southern Africa is set to make a compelling impact at this year’s Africa Automation and Technology Fair (AATF), taking place from 6–8 May 2025. As a global leader in industrial automation and robotics, Yaskawa’s collaboration with engineering and automation pioneer Controltech at AATF 2025 demonstrates its commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable technological advancement across the African continent. With a shared vision for intelligent automation, Yaskawa and Controltech are set to demonstrate how integrated robotics and control systems can improve productivity, safety, and operational efficiency across a wide range of industries.

“Our presence at the fair is all about visibility, engagement, and showing how Yaskawa and Controltech together can deliver top-tier automation solutions and service,” says Jan T’Hart, National Sales Manager at Yaskawa Southern Africa. “By working collaboratively, we’re able to demonstrate real-world robotic applications that resonate with the current needs of African industries.”

Controltech, a South African engineering and automation company, offers end-to-end solutions across electrical design, software development, SCADA systems, and process integration. Its partnership with Yaskawa enhances the value Controltech delivers to clients through more advanced, flexible, and scalable automation systems. “As automation specialists focused on both software and electrical solutions, partnering with a global leader in robotics like Yaskawa was a strategic decision,” says Driaan Kleynhans. “Its technologies enhance our ability to offer more intelligent, flexible, and efficient systems, expanding what we can achieve for clients across a wider range of complex applications.”

Live Demo of Collaborative Robotics

A key highlight of the exhibit is a live demonstration of a collaborative robot (cobot) in industrial mode. Designed to simulate a repetitive pick-and-place system, the cobot will be controlled entirely from a teach pendant, illustrating how minimal add-ons can produce a fully operational, real-world robotic solution. To ensure visitor safety, the system will be enclosed within a transparent frame that enables full visibility while mitigating potential risks posed by peripheral equipment such as pneumatic grippers. This immersive setup is intended to spark conversations around robotic adaptability and customisation, including the use of vision systems, mobile bases, or bespoke tooling.

“These innovations reflect Yaskawa Southern Africa’s commitment to advancing the automation landscape across the continent, delivering inclusive, sustainable, and practical solutions tailored to Africa’s unique industrial needs,” T’Hart explains.

Automation That Supports, Not Replaces, the Workforce

Both Yaskawa and Controltech are committed to delivering automation that enhances the human workforce, not displaces it. Their joint offering allows manufacturers to automate repetitive, hazardous, or physically demanding tasks while upskilling employees and empowering them to take on higher-value roles. “Yaskawa supports local industries by improving productivity and safety while fostering job sustainability,” says T’Hart. “Through local training programmes, technical support, and collaboration with system integrators like Controltech, we ensure that our solutions remain accessible and adaptable.”

Controltech echoes: “Our clients often face challenges around labour-intensive packaging lines, operational inefficiencies, and limited process insight,” says its spokesperson. “With Yaskawa’s robotics integrated into our SCADA and control platforms, we’re helping businesses transition to intelligent automation with measurable impact.”

Driving Digital Transformation Across the Continent

Another major focus of the demonstration is factory-wide data integration. Controltech will demonstrate how complex process data can be visualised through dynamic dashboards, empowering manufacturers with real-time insights and enterprise-level key performance indicators (KPIs). “Working with Yaskawa has allowed us to take a more holistic approach to automation, combining robotics, electrical engineering, and software intelligence into cohesive, future-ready systems,” adds Kleynhans. The collaboration is also aimed at bridging the digital divide in African manufacturing. “With scalable, modular technologies and strong local partnerships, we can help businesses reduce reliance on manual processes and build more resilient production systems,” they say.

A Sustainable and Skilled Automation Future

Yaskawa’s latest generation of robots and drives feature energy-efficient designs, including low standby consumption, lightweight mechanical structures, and regenerative power capabilities – helping customers lower both operating costs and environmental impact. The company is also heavily invested in education and workforce development. Through partnerships with colleges, training centres, and universities, Yaskawa delivers tailored programmes and hands-on training that equip future engineers and technicians with the skills needed to thrive in a digitally enabled industrial landscape. “We understand that the success of automation depends not just on advanced technology, but also on the people who use it,” T’Hart says. “By nurturing local talent and working with trusted partners like Controltech, we’re helping to shape an automation ecosystem that is inclusive, innovative, and built for Africa.”

Visit Yaskawa at AATF 2025

Yaskawa Southern Africa invites all attendees to visit their live demonstration at the Controltech stand for a closer look at how advanced robotics, smart manufacturing, and collaborative partnerships are transforming industries across the continent.