In the fascinating world of robotics, young innovative South African students are making their mark on the world with their unique inventions. In this particular event, it is fascinating to see how young minds are already shaping not just South Africa’s digital future but also having an impact on a global scale.
The Impact of Robotics on Society
Robotics is making significant contributions to society across various sectors even in Africa. Robotics company, the Uniccon Group, an Abuja-based tech startup, unveiled Africa’s first humanoid robot. The robot named, Omeife is a 6-foot-tall female human-like robot, with Igbo-like physical features.
Igbo which is powered by batteries speaks multiple languages including Igbo, Yoruba, English, French, Swahili, Wazobia, Pidgin, Afrikaans, and Arabic, with native accents, pitch, and vocabulary.
The engineering of a humanoid robot is only one small part of the dynamic scope of robotics – in the wider scope of society robotics has contributed to the manufacturing world by automating tasks, boosting efficiency, and reducing costs while maintaining product quality.
Contributions of Robotics in Healthcare & Search and Rescue
In healthcare, surgical and telemedicine robots aid in precise surgeries and remote patient care. Agriculture benefits from crop-planting and harvesting robots, enhancing productivity and reducing manual labor. Search and rescue missions employ robots with sensors to locate and save individuals in a disaster zone. The possibilities of the impact that robotics can have on every aspect of everyday life and work are endless and as technology advances – so do the opportunities.
Inspired Build 2023
Young minds are already plotting the way of the future of robotics. In a dazzling display of technological prowess students from Reddam House Bedfordview have emerged as a beacon of innovation at the Inspired Build 2023, a premier global inter-school technology challenge. In the global arena of school-based technological innovation, Inspired Build is regarded as the premier inter-school technology challenge.
Fierce Global Competition in Robotics for the Youth
Students competed against peers from 111 schools in 24 countries across five continents. Students received rewards in three out of the six age categories. The competition challenges young innovators aged 7 to 13 to design and create robots under a different theme each year. This year, the spotlight was on ‘Environmental Innovation’, pushing young minds to address pressing issues such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and resource conservation.
Winning Robots
From the South South African winning entries robots – ‘Waste Monster’ dedicated to clearing the oceans of floating trash, ‘Rainbow Paper Scraper’, a land-based solution designed to gather waste paper, and ‘Blue Crane’, a magnetic crane adept at segregating metals from waste snagged the top spots.
No Challenge is insurmountable
Brenda Kahl, Head of Grade 4 Science & Robotics at Reddam House Bedfordview, comments, “The first step in solving global problems, like improving the environment, involves wild and out-of-the-box brainstorming. It is pivotal for students to realize that no challenge is insurmountable; some may just require extra effort. Our young robot builders have embraced this mindset, showcasing tremendous creativity and determination.”
An Innovative Approach to Waste Management
A sixth student who propelled South Africa into the global robotics spotlight was Lesedi Moloi from Reddford House Blue Hills. Competing in the Age 11-12 category, Lesedi, designed an innovative robotics sorter. This brilliant piece of tech efficiently organizes rubbish (in the form of Lego blocks) into various recycling categories.
Promoting Key Learning Methodologies
Reddam House provided these students with the foundation to excel in disciplines involved in taking on the challenge. The Inspired Build Challenge is a testament to the school’s approach to education that promotes lateral thinking, comprehensive understanding, and practical application. Such a foundation promises students a bright future in the fast-evolving STEM sectors.