Base Five, a specialist innovation agency at the forefront of future technologies, has partnered with the merSETA , Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI) and Durban University of Technology (DUT)) to unveil the groundbreaking Smart Robotics Lab at DUT’s Ritson Campus.
This pioneering facility is set to equip South Africa’s youth with practical skills in robotics, automation, and AI, laying the foundation for a future-ready society.
The Smart Robotics Lab officially launched on Tuesday, 24 June 2025 at DUT’s Ritson Campus. The opening coincided with Youth Month and was strategically positioned to signal a new chapter in youth empowerment through 4IR-aligned training and innovation.
The development of the Smart Robotics Lab was led by Base Five, whose vision for technology-driven learning spaces aligns with the core tenets of Society 5.0. As South Africa prepares to transition from digital catch-up to global competitiveness, Base Five has taken the lead in designing a space that is not only technically advanced but also socially responsive.
“This is not just a lab – it is an ecosystem of innovation, inclusion, and impact,” says Tlangelani Manzini, CEO & Co-founder at Base Five. “Our goal was to ensure that young people in South Africa are not left behind as the world moves forward. We developed this lab to help build a future workforce that can innovate, adapt, and lead.”
From concept to commissioning, Base Five led the full scope of the project – including stakeholder alignment, technology infrastructure and implementation. Base Five also worked closely with DUT’s engineering faculty and external partners to ensure that the lab responds directly to the needs of a rapidly evolving global economy.
Designed as a fully immersive learning environment, the Smart Robotics Lab features interactive robotics stations, AI-enabled learning modules, and simulation tools that mirror real-world industrial systems.
“Our vision was to create more than a tech labs,” said Daisy Mulenga, COO & Co‑founder of Base Five. “This space is deliberately inclusive, community-centred, and tailored for measurable impact. We’re giving students real tools to lead, not just learn.”
This launch marks the beginning of a broader roll-out of future technologies across South Africa, driven by Base Five’s vision to empower institutions and organisations with bespoke innovation strategies. As a leader in 4IR integration and Society 5.0 adaptation, Base Five continues to work with partners in education, government, private and industry to localise global trends and build a future that is inclusive, intelligent, and sustainable.
