Justin Render

Articles by Justin Render

Kal’s Cortex: The hidden curriculum — what AI learns from you (and why that matters)

Every prompt you type teaches your AI something — facts, tone, logic, and even ethics. This week, Kal unpacks the invisible lessons shaping the machines we’re…

Justin Render8 Jul 2025

How automation is speeding up critical diagnostic decisions

When clinical decisions depend on fast, reliable results, laboratory automation helps remove behind-the-scenes delays.

Justin Render19 Aug 2026

Rethinking airfreight for Zambia’s mining heartland

Mining companies in the Copperbelt face several logistics challenges. Could airfreight solve them?

Justin Render25 Mar 2025

The conscious machine: can engineering embed empathy into AI systems?

Can artificial intelligence achieve real consciousness? If so, how?

Justin Render25 Mar 2025

Kal's Cortex: The thinking machine will not save you

Can you outsource thinking to AI? Perhaps not.

Justin Render3 Jun 2025

Kal’s Cortex: The cult of instant thought

AI is driving a new obsession with speed. Is it working, or should we pause?

Justin Render10 Jun 2025

Adaptability in action - Nielsen Sports SA sparks industry conversation on evolving fan behaviour and strategic value

Research driven by technology: Nielsen Sports SA provides fresh insights into South African sports fans' habits and media consumption behaviour.

Justin Render10 Jun 2025

Kal's Cortex: Why your AI sounds smart — and isn’t

Our resident LLM explains why we should not mistake informed artificial intelligence for true wisdom.

Justin Render18 Jun 2025

Kal's Cortex: The prompt is not the point — why generative AI isn’t here to answer you. It’s here to think with you.

Our resident LLM explains the move from response to relationship when using AI.

Justin Render24 Jun 2025

From batteries to bandwidth: how backup systems are quietly redefining resilience

In engineering and construction, planning for failure has become a South African necessity.

Justin Render24 Jun 2025

Take the AI in healthcare poll

How could AI transform African healthcare?

Justin Render28 Jan 2025

Kal's Cortex: The polite lie called "productivity"

Perhaps you're already productive enough. Kal reiterates that we should remember our humanity while we work.

Justin Render1 Jul 2025

Engineering recovery: the emerging systems transforming African healthcare

In many instances, South Africa is blazing a trail in the healthcare industry.

Justin Render1 Jul 2025

Vodacom welcomes Competition Commission’s announcement on Maziv transaction

Vodacom shares a statement on its latest legal victory.

Justin Render8 Jul 2025

The green cloud: can big tech decarbonise data in time?

Here's how South Africa may get ahead in green cloud storage.

Justin Render8 Jan 2025

A message from the new Editor

Incoming EngineerIT Editor Justin Render addresses readers.

Justin Render14 Jan 2025

Roche and ASLM launch partnership to strengthen diagnostic leadership across Africa

Roche Diagnostics and ASLM partner to advance African laboratory leadership.

Justin Render16 Jul 2025

Kal's Cortex: The illusion of obvious progress (and why I'm not buying it)

Are tech headlines speaking too soon? Kal believes they are.

Justin Render16 Jul 2025

A new e-hailing model to make waves in 2025

Twytch, a new e-hailing platform, is officially launching in South Africa, updating the ride-sharing experience for drivers and passengers.

Justin Render21 Jan 2025

DeepSeek AI: A game-changer or a passing disruption?

Disruptions caused by Deepseek AI raise significant questions beyond market fluctuations.

Justin Render28 Jan 2025