​​​The primary focus of F’SATI is to build human capacity. This is achieved through a research strategy that interfaces the theoretical with the technological aspects as well as connecting a variety of local and international stakeholders, such as industry and academia. From this research strategy a range of research domains are defined. 

TUT has adopted an approach of focusing research resources into carefully selected research and innovation (R&I) focus and niche areas. F'SATI currently operates within these defined niche domains, in collaboration with various departments and faculties. The objectives of the focus areas have been designed in such a way that they bring resources and a critical mass of people together around a central theme to provide a platform for the full spectrum of R&I activities. 

F'SATI at TUT and CPUT​ currently focuses on the following research domains:

This niche area covers several domains related to control and enabling technologies. The main domain is the enabled environment and assistance to the handicapped. This is a multi-disciplinary field that includes domains such as traditional Control, Image Processing, Mechatronics, Mathematical Modelling, as well as Optimisation Theory and applications.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS 

Contact Person: Prof AM Kurien, kurienAM@tut.ac.za ​

The focus of the research niche in Telecommunications is to promote research and development in the fields of both computer science and telecommunication. The research domains consider theoretical aspects of wireless communications systems as well practical optimisation problems that are common in modern wireless communication standards. A Telkom Center of Excellence that focusses on the development of multivector gateways for the In​ternet of Things (IoT), is hosted within the domain.

ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL POWER SYSTEMS (DEE/F’SATI, TUT)

Contact Person: Prof JL Munda, mundaJL@tut.ac.za

The economic well-being of a nation depends on many factors: key among these are the presence of sustainable source of inexpensive environmentally friendly energy, availability of robust and reliable electric power supply systems, as well as the competitiveness and effective productivity of the industries. Putting these in place and continuing to maintain them require the right calibre of comp​etent manpower, as well as being at the front of knowledge, innovation, research and development in the related scientific and technological fields. This niche area focuses on researching new ideas, making original contributions and technological innovations in the field of Energy, Power Engineering and Industrial Systems. The Niche Area focus is directed to the issue of Power Electronics, Power and Distribution Systems, Electric Motors and Drives, Renewable Energies, Coal Technology, Biodiesel Technology, Energy Efficient buildings and Smart and Intelligent buildings.​

SARCHI CHAIR IN THE ENABLED ENVIRONMENTS FOR ASSISTED LIVING

Contact Person: Prof K Djouani, djouani@gmail.com 

The primary focus of the chair is on the development of innovative solutions with functionalities related to technological assistance for persons with disabilities. The objective is to develop innovative solutions for persons with varying levels of disabilities to achieve their integration into mainstream society. The notion of the ‘handicapped’ situation integrates most classical physical, sensorial, or cerebral deficiencies that lead to the inability of an individual to function effectively. It also relates to situations in which aging contributes to light handicaps such as visual or auditory impairment.

Mobility is a form of natural rehabilitation that helps maintain, improve and restore the human body. It has both physiological and psychological benefits to provide better functioning of the body.  Mobility aids promote daily living activities in individuals with physical impairments, enabling them to interact with the environment easily.  Some problems that passive mobility aids pose, could include potential falls by users that might result in injury, difficulty of use on uneven terrains, and only suitable for travel over short distances.​​