Partnership to explore development and commercialisation of dual-use robotics technologies for South Africa and international markets
Thiruvananthapuram, Sept 19: Kerala-based robotics and deep-tech company Genrobotics has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Ltd (Armscor), the state entity responsible for meeting the defence material requirements of Department of Defence, to explore collaboration in defence, space, satellite and robotics technologies.
The agreement was signed at Pretoria yesterday by Adv. Solomzi P. Mbada, Chief Executive Officer, Armscor, and Vimal Govind M.K., Chief Executive Officer, Genrobotics, through Genrobotics Africa (Pty) Ltd, the company’s South African entity based in Pretoria.
The MoU envisages a non-exclusive exploratory framework for the two organisations to identify and assess opportunities and, where separately agreed, co-develop and commercialise robotics technologies for defence and civilian applications.
The collaboration could extend across South Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the wider African market and other international markets.
For Armscor, the partnership supports its ambition to serve as a sovereign integrator and assurance authority for South Africa’s space and satellite capabilities, while developing dual-use and commercially sustainable technology offerings.
For Genrobotics, the agreement expands its growing defence and space robotics programme, including its work in space-grade robotic arms and autonomous systems, and creates a structured pathway for technology validation and market access in South Africa and the wider African continent.
“This MoU reflects Armscor’s commitment to building a trusted, sovereign and globally connected space and satellite capability for South Africa. Partnering with a deep-tech innovator like Genrobotics allows us to explore dual-use robotics and space technologies that can strengthen our defence capability while opening new commercial pathways,” said Adv. Mbada.
Mr Govind said the partnership marked an important step in the company’s defence and space journey.
“Working with Armscor gives us a credible, government-backed pathway to bring our robotics and autonomous systems capabilities into South Africa’s defence and space ecosystem, and to build from there across the wider African market,” he added.
Hailing the agreement, Ambassador Justice Piitso, South Africa Director, Genrobotics, said the collaboration marks a significant milestone for Genrobotics Africa. “It positions us to work closely with Armscor in translating this MoU into real, on-the-ground defence and space robotics capability for South Africa and the region,” he pointed out.
