The Mechatronics, Automation and Design (MAD) research group forms part of the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University. The MAD group operates under the leadership of Prof Anton Basson and Dr Karel Kruger. The group conducts research in the well-equipped Automation Lab.

The MAD research group has been active since 2008, primarily conducting research in the field of modern manufacturing systems. The research focussed on reconfigurable and holonic manufacturing systems. Recently, the research focus has shifted to the design and implementation of Digital Twins to enable Industry 4.0 in South Africa.

The MAD group has graduated 6 PhD and more than 20 master’s degree students, and has published more than 20 peer-reviewed papers. The group annually supports several final year student projects and also frequently hosts international students for internships.