KITE 2025 Seminar Programme
- 22 July – 24 July 2025
- Durban Exhibition Centre, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Tuesday, 22 July 2025
TECHNOLOGY ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY, PROBLEM-SOLVING, INTEGRATING GENERATIVE AI INTO WORKFLOWS, DIGITAL TWINNING, VIRTUAL REALITY VR 2.0
Technology is evolving faster than ever, transforming the way we work and live. In this dynamic landscape, it’s not just new tech trends that are reshaping the future, but the very roles of IT professionals themselves. According to Gartner’s research on strategic technology trends, the most influential innovations are expected to disrupt industries and accelerate business success in the coming years. Technology is not only enhancing productivity but also revolutionizing how businesses approach problem-solving, customer engagement, and creative processes, making tools more accessible and versatile across various sectors. In 2025, organizations will continue integrating generative AI into workflows to innovate faster and provide personalized services at scale.
Technologies such as digital twins, machine learning, AI (artificial intelligence), AR and VR (augmented reality and virtual reality) are helping manufacturers become more effective and efficient by enabling remote monitoring, servicing and equipment operation — all without the need to be on-site. With communication approaching real-time, and the computing power to make it truly seem like the operator is in the room with the machine, virtual and remote operation is in keeping with other recent trends in manufacturing technology that enable access, flexibility and safety.
Leading in Industry 4.0 with IoT and AI
Rolf Ritter
CEO Central Europe
Time: 10h45 – 11h15
Wednesday, 23 July 2025
KEY TECHNOLOGIES OF THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION – HOW THEY CREATE NEW INNOVATIVE OPPORTUNITIES AND DISRUPT EXISTING SYSTEMS, THIS INCLUDES AUGMENTED REALITY, CYBER SECURITY AND IOT
IoT technology in smart cities involves the integration of various sensors and devices that collect data to manage assets, resources, and services efficiently. This includes monitoring traffic and public transport to reduce congestion, using smart grids to optimize energy use, and implementing connected systems for public safety and emergency services. As cities continue to grow, IoT helps manage complexities and improve the living conditions of residents.
Cybersecurity. It is rapidly evolving with proactive measures like AI-driven solutions and zero-trust architecture. AI enhances threat detection, while zero-trust models enforce strict access controls. Biometric authentication adds another layer of security, minimizing unauthorized access. This trend underscores a shift toward pre-emptive strategies and multi-layered defences to safeguard data and systems.
Digital Technology in the Safety Industry, a Help or a Hinderance?
Chris Coetzee
Owner OHSS Consulting
Time: 11h30 – 12h00
Thursday, 24July 2025
SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES, GREEN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, SMART FACTORIES, MACHINE LEARNING, DATA ANALYTICS
Innovations in green energy technologies focus on enhancing the efficiency and reducing the costs of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and bioenergy. Advances include new photovoltaic cell designs, wind turbines operating at lower wind speeds, and biofuels from non-food biomass. These technologies are crucial for reducing the global carbon footprint and achieving sustainability goals.
Sustainable Technology is a pivotal trend as organizations increasingly prioritize eco-friendly innovations to combat climate change and minimize environmental impact. This trend encompasses developing and using technologies that reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and promote circular economy practices. From data centers powered by renewable energy and energy-efficient devices to AI-driven solutions that optimize resource use, sustainable technology redefines how businesses operate with a focus on long-term ecological balance.
The push for sustainable technology is driven by growing consumer awareness, stricter regulatory mandates, and the need for businesses to demonstrate corporate social responsibility. Companies are leveraging IoT, AI, and blockchain advances to enhance sustainability in supply chains, waste management, and energy grids.
In 2025 and beyond, the adoption of sustainable technology will be a marker of environmental commitment and a competitive advantage, as organizations that embrace these innovations position themselves as forward-thinking leaders in a market increasingly sensitive to ecological impact.
Factories and manufacturing facilities are poised to pass the tipping point of smart factory adoption, moving from occasional or sporadic implementation of smart manufacturing equipment to more full-fledged systems, taking advantage of the full potential of data analytics and communication between machinery and central monitoring tools.
An Introduction to The South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMechE)
Dr Avinash Maharaj
Dr Avinash Maharaj
Time: 10h45 – 11h15
