Exploring the world of robotics in Africa has become increasingly astounding. In developing nations, artificial intelligence (AI) offers numerous opportunities for social and economic empowerment. However, given Africa’s high unemployment rate and rapidly expanding population, robotics does not immediately come to mind as the most relevant application of AI. Nevertheless, some African nations have adopted robotics because they believe it can play a significant role in their economic development.
Once a specialized field of technology, robotics is now a global technological leader. By combining programming, engineering, and artificial intelligence, this field is revolutionizing how several industries function. Africa is becoming a major player in the robotics industry, even though North America, Europe, and Asia are well-known as pioneers in this field.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the world of robotics in Africa, how Africa can best take advantage of the opportunities presented by intelligent automation and robotics, and strategies to counteract the risks posed by global variables, such as premature deindustrialization.
Image source: Pixabay
Current Developments
Robotics has advanced significantly in Africa, with several nations leading the way in innovation. Greater accessibility to technology, the emergence of regional tech clusters, and an expanding pool of talented young people ready to effect change are the main factors causing this upsurge. Some of the current developments are:
#1. Emerging robotics hubs
Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt are leading the way in robotics initiatives and have developed into hubs for tech startups and educational institutions that concentrate on developing and implementing robotic solutions. In Kenya, the government has thoroughly supported tech hubs like iHub and Gearbox, which offer resources and training to aspiring roboticists. In Nigeria, several startups like Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN) are developing local robotics solutions, and the robust educational institutions in the country are making investments in robotics research and advancement. The University of Cape Town and the University of Johannesburg have special research centres where students can work on robotics projects.
#2. Robotics for education
The integration of robotics into educational curricula has gained momentum globally, and African schools are gradually embracing its full potential. Education plays an essential role in unlocking this potential by nurturing innovation and problem-solving skills, which are vital attributes for promoting creativity and propelling African countries onto the global stage.
In recent years, the integration of robotics into modern classrooms has increased significantly, giving students hands-on experience and practical involvement with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education.
According to the African Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET), robotics teaching in African schools has the potential to transform education, empower young people, and spur economic development throughout the continent. By encouraging confidence in their digital abilities and hands-on experience with technology, educational robotics enables kids to grow into creators rather than merely users.
According to APET, Africa has a young, energetic population that is full of unrealized potential. Thus, integrating robotics into African classrooms presents a special chance to develop these young brains, encouraging creativity, technical proficiency, and economic expansion. Incorporating robots into the curriculum gives students real-world experience and a fresh viewpoint, which helps them to realize their creative potential in tackling Africa’s many socioeconomic problems.
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#3. Locally and economically produced robots
The emphasis on local manufacture and pricing is a distinctive feature of robotics in Africa. Many African inventors are creating robots from locally accessible materials due to financial limitations. For example, a startup in Rwanda created an agricultural robot that can be built using simple parts and equipment. This emphasis on locally made, reasonably priced robots is essential for tackling the continent’s particular problems, ranging from healthcare to agriculture.
Image source: Pixabay
Impact on Various Industries
1. Health care
The health ecosystem has changed thanks to robots. Healthcare robots come in a variety of forms, such as surgical, nursing, clinical training, medicine dispensing, care, telepresence, rehabilitation, health call centres, ambulances, and physical therapy robots. The majority of healthcare robots are located in wealthy nations. A lack of medical professionals and restricted access to cutting-edge facilities are only two of the major issues facing Africa’s healthcare system.
Robotics is offering creative answers to these problems. In Rwanda, robots were used to monitor patients, provide medication, and even clean hospital spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. By lowering the possibility of viral infection, these robots freed up medical personnel to concentrate on vital care duties.
2. Manufacturing and Industry
Robotics is also helping the manufacturing industry, as factories all over Africa start automating procedures to increase productivity. For example, robotic arms are being used in South African auto manufacturers to perform welding, painting, and part assembly. Increased production capacity results from these robots’ ability to perform more quickly, make fewer mistakes, and work constantly without breaks.
Moreover, robots are helping to create safer working conditions by managing dangerous activities that might otherwise pose threats to human workers. To lessen the need for human involvement in hazardous situations, the Nigerian oil and gas sector is investigating the use of robots for pipeline inspections. This move not only enhances safety but also reduces inspection costs and improves the accuracy of data collection.
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3. Agriculture
Many African nations still rely heavily on agriculture, and robots are transforming the farming industry. Robots are assisting farmers in increasing their yields through automated irrigation systems and precision farming. Researchers in Kenya have created robotic devices that require little human involvement to sow seeds, check crops, and apply fertilizer.
These robots provide ideal growing conditions for crops by using sensors to measure soil moisture and nutrient levels. Drones are also widely utilized in agriculture for jobs like pest control and crop monitoring. Farmers can increase output, save time, and use less chemicals with the aid of these robotic equipment. For instance, a firm in Ghana utilizes drones to spray crops, which ensures more consistent pesticide application and drastically reduces labour expenses.
Wrap-Up: Exploring the World of Robotics in Africa
Artificial Intelligence has the potential to improve life in Africa in many ways. However, Africans still need to be convinced that it is in their best interests to seek an uncertain future shaped by new technology, given the lack of resources and skill on the continent. Robotics in Africa has a bright future. The continent can take the lead in creating and implementing robotic technology if it makes the appropriate investments in infrastructure, research, and education. The globe will witness an exciting new era of invention as more African nations adopt this technological revolution, driven specifically by local inventiveness and an impulse to meet the continent’s unique requirements. The options are boundless, and the voyage has only just begun.
