Dr Ramatsetse Inspires the Next Generation of Researchers at NRF Symposium
The inaugural National Research Foundation (NRF) Next Generation and Emerging Researchers Symposium (NGER) took place from 23 to 25 October 2024 at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng. The event brought together 300 postgraduate students, postdoctoral research fellows, and early career researchers to participate in the 2024 NGER symposium. The symposium provided a platform for the participants to connect, exchange knowledge, and share innovative research projects.
Dr Ramatsetse shared his presentation on the “next generation manufacturing systems (NGMS)”. In his presentation, he discussed the functional requirements of the next generation manufacturing systems (NGMS) including core strategies needed to meet these functional requirements. The distinct features and potential benefits of manufacturing systems paradigms such as dedicated manufacturing systems (DMS), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), as well as reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS) were also presented and discussed. According to Dr Ramatsetse “This research contributes to the realisation of the new era of manufacturing that is characterized by high-speed internet connectivity, automation, and data-driven decision-making. It also contributes to the development of reconfigurable machines and also prediction of the structural integrity of such machines using smart sensing techniques to prevent unforeseen failures thus enhancing optimal machine performance,”. Dr Ramatsetse is a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at Stellenbosch University.
Inspiring next generation of researchers is very crucial to build a legacy of continuous learning, innovation, and discovery that can advance fields of knowledge and address the most pressing societal challenges.
