27 / Automation & robotics
Automation that someone here can program, service and support
PLCs, HMIs, sensors, servo and stepper systems, industrial robots, collaborative robots and automated guided vehicles sourced direct. Nobody should buy a robot without someone to program and service it, so we quote automation as a project with a local integrator in the picture.
Machines we are currently placing
Every price below is landed, cleared and delivered. Ask about anything not listed — most of this class is available to order.
PLCs (Compact & modular)
HMIs & touch panels (4 – 15 inch)
Sensors (Proximity, photoelectric & level)
Machine vision cameras (Per station)
Servo motors & drives (0.1 – 15 kW)
Stepper systems (Per axis)
Pneumatic components (Cylinders, valves & FRLs)
Industrial robots (3 – 300 kg payload)
Collaborative robots (cobots) (3 – 20 kg payload)
Welding robots & cells (Per cell)
Palletising robots (Per line)
Pick-and-place & SCARA (Per unit)
AGVs & AMRs (100 – 2 000 kg)
Safety guarding & light curtains (Per cell)
What we source in this line
The ranges below are the common options. Tell us the task, the cycle time and the parts involved, and we'll specify the equipment and the integration it needs.
| Equipment | Typical range | Worth specifying |
|---|---|---|
| PLCs | Compact & modular | I/O count, communication, software licence |
| HMIs & touch panels | 4 – 15 inch | Protocol compatibility, IP rating |
| Sensors | Proximity, photoelectric & level | Range, output type, IP rating |
| Machine vision cameras | Per station | Resolution, lighting, software |
| Servo motors & drives | 0.1 – 15 kW | Torque, encoder, communication |
| Stepper systems | Per axis | Holding torque, driver, closed loop |
| Pneumatic components | Cylinders, valves & FRLs | Bore, stroke, valve type |
| Industrial robots | 3 – 300 kg payload | Reach, repeatability, controller |
| Collaborative robots (cobots) | 3 – 20 kg payload | Safety functions, programming, reach |
| Welding robots & cells | Per cell | Welding source, positioner, guarding |
| Palletising robots | Per line | Payload, pattern software, guarding |
| Pick-and-place & SCARA | Per unit | Speed, reach, vision |
| AGVs & AMRs | 100 – 2 000 kg | Navigation, battery, safety scanner |
| Safety guarding & light curtains | Per cell | Safety rating, interlocks |
Not on the list? Send a photo or a model number — most automation equipment in this class is available.
What actually decides whether it works
Price is the easy part. These are the points that decide whether the automation runs, or stands in a corner.
The integrator matters more than the robot
A robot is a component; the cell, the program and the service make it work. We quote automation with a local integrator involved from the start, or with the manufacturer's commissioning engineer at a daily rate.
Start with the task and the cycle time
What is being moved, welded or packed, how heavy, how fast and how accurately decides the equipment. Send us the part and the cycle time and we specify from there.
Choose a platform people here know
PLCs, robots and software from widely used platforms are easier to program, service and staff. We favour platforms with local skills and spares over obscure ones, even at a higher price.
Guarding and safety functions are not optional
Industrial robots need guarding, and cobots need a proper risk assessment even with their built-in safety. Budget for guarding, light curtains and interlocks from the start.
Work out the payback before you buy
Automation pays when it replaces repetitive work, removes a bottleneck or improves quality. We help you set out the numbers: cycle time, labour, scrap and uptime.
You're trading the dealer network for the price
That's the honest trade. There is no branded service centre on call. Keep backups of every program, spare sensors and a spare drive for critical axes, and have your integrator on a service agreement.
Plant managers and integrators ask these
Who programs the robot?
A local integrator, or the manufacturer's engineer during commissioning. We bring an integrator into the project from the start rather than leaving you with a robot in a crate.
Is a cobot right for my factory?
Cobots suit lighter, repetitive tasks close to people, like machine tending and packing. Heavy or fast tasks need an industrial robot with guarding. Tell us the task and we advise.
Can you supply PLCs and drives for an existing machine?
Yes. Send us the current parts and drawings, and we match them or specify compatible replacements.
Do you install?
Installation and commissioning are by a local integrator or the manufacturer's engineer, priced as a separate line.
Tell us the task and the cycle time, not the model number
What needs automating, the parts, the cycle time and the space — that's enough for us to come back with options, a landed price in Rand and a realistic delivery date.
- No obligation and no cost to quote
- Options at more than one build quality
- Landed price — duty, VAT and delivery included
- We reply within one working day