How robotics will revolutionalise Nigeria’s future

Robotics has been defined by TechTarget as “a branch of engineering and computer science that involves the conception, design, manufacture and operation of robots.”

The primary objective of the robotics field is to create intelligent machines that can assist humans in a variety of ways. While the exploration of the potential uses and functionality of robots has grown significantly in the 21st century, the whole idea came from the realm of science fiction.

In his sci-fi writing titled I, Robot, originally published in 1950, American writer, Isaac Asimov, suggested principles which he believed should guide the operation of autonomous robots.

Asimov’s first rule was that robots must never harm human beings; the second was that robots must follow instructions from humans without a violation of the first rule. The third, however, is that robots must protect themselves without violating the other rules.

These rules guided scientists and engineers to invent the first programmable robot called Unimate in 1961. In addition to this, Asimov’s rules have survived to this  day.

In modern technology, robots are assembled through a combination of “computer programming and algorithms, a remotely controlled manipulator, actuators, control systems, real-time sensors and an element of automation,” according to TechTarget.

A variety of applications

Today, there are a wide variety of robots which have been applied in diverse fields of human endeavour to ensure efficiency and perform repetitive tasks.

Industrial robots and robot arms are now deployed by manufacturers and warehouses such as those owned by Amazon and Best Buy.

Robotics is being utilised in home electronics used to monitor home energy usage and provide home security. It is also applied in lawnmowers and vacuum cleaners which can be programmed to automatically perform tasks without human intervention.

The military and law enforcement in advance countries also depend on robotics for use in surveillance, reconnaissance missions and improvement of soldiers’ mobility.

In aerospace engineering, robots are used for tasks such as painting, inspection, coating, drilling, and maintenance of aircraft components.

Mechanical engineers now use robotics to inspect pipelines for corrosion and test the structural integrity of buildings. They also aid in the development of smart factories and autonomous vehicles.

Most importantly, robotics is widely applied in Artificial Intelligence and machine learning processes, especially in object recognition, natural language processing, predictive maintenance, and process automation.

Recently, the co-founder of an AI research lab startup, Awarri, Silas Adekunle, alongside his partner, Eniola Edun, unveiled an innovative gaming robot named MekaMon, which was designed “as a tool to inspire young tech enthusiasts and spark interest in STEM fields.”

MekaMon is a four-legged robot that moves like a real creature and brings video games to life through robotics and augmented reality.

An app developed alongside MekaMon would allow users to control the robot and enjoy an even richer gaming experience.

Last year, the Minister of Information, Communication and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, announced a partnership with Awarri to build Nigeria’s large language model.

Before founding Awarri, Edun had launched Gamr Africa, a startup aimed at advancing gaming culture in Lagos, while Adekunle gained international recognition through Reach Robotics.

Reach Robotics achieved a major milestone when it signed a deal with Apple for the distribution of MekaMon. Awarri later acquired the rights to MekaMon, integrating the robot into Nigerian schools to teach children computer science and coding skills.

On Thursday, the founder of Footprintworld AI and African AI Network, Enwono Edo, showcased ABB lights and camera robots which he noted would revolutionalise TV production.

“Witness the future of broadcast,” he wrote on his LinkedIn account, “Two ABB  robots are taking centre stage in a groundbreaking TV production, demonstrating the power of collaborative robotics.

“These robots are handling gigantic sets, demonstrating their strength and precision in manoeuvring large and complex production elements. Redefining production possibilities by pushing the boundaries of creativity and efficiency in the entertainment industry.

“This isn’t just automation; it’s a fusion of technology and artistry. Imagine the possibilities for live events, virtual studios, and beyond. This TV production with ABB robots showcases the transformative potential of automation.”

A springboard for development

An SEO and AI for Business tech expert, Ndubuisi Ubani, in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, pointed out that while the buzz around AI robotics might feel like futuristic hype, for developing countries like Nigeria, he described its potential for tangible improvements as immense.

“In agriculture, for instance, AI-powered drones and sensors are not just novelties; they’re tools for survival. Precision agriculture, optimising irrigation and pest control, can dramatically increase crop yields.

“The Food and Agriculture Organisation suggests these technologies could boost yields by up to 30 per cent, a critical factor in ensuring food security. Imagine farmers receiving data-driven insights to maximise their harvests, leading to more affordable food for everyone.

“Healthcare which has always been a constant struggle, can be revolutionised. AI diagnostics can speed up disease detection, especially in underserved areas. Telemedicine, facilitated by AI, can bridge the gap between urban specialists and rural patients. Think of AI chatbots providing initial medical consultations, easing the burden on overwhelmed clinics,” Ubani explained.

The tech expert further stated that robotics would also transform the field of education, which has been described as the bedrock of progress.

“Personalised learning platforms, powered by AI, can tailor education to individual needs. Virtual tutors can make learning engaging, and AI can automate administrative tasks, allowing teachers to focus on what matters: teaching.

“Our erratic power supply can also benefit. AI-driven grid management can optimise energy distribution, reducing outages and improving efficiency. Predictive maintenance can prevent costly equipment failures. And AI can help integrate renewable energy sources, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

“Ultimately, these applications translate to real benefits for everyday Nigerians: economic growth, improved access to essential services, and a better quality of life.

“Implementing these technologies requires careful consideration of training and ethical implications, but the potential rewards are undeniable. It’s not about replacing humans; it’s about empowering them with tools to build a stronger nation,” Ubani added.

In 2024, the founder and Chairman of the Geometric Power Group, Prof Bart Nnaji, said Nigeria will soon have an institute dedicated to studying robotics and AI through a team of scientists and engineers at an institute he established.

He revealed that the institute’s application was made in 2017, and it took the government four years to establish that “it is in the national interest to have such an advanced facility.”

Nnaji described the objectives of the institute as to engage in the learning and study of computer sciences that teach the technology of intelligent machines and robots and issue certificates to students.

An innovation fraught with challenges

“As technology continues to advance,” a report by Statista noted, “consumers in Nigeria are increasingly looking for innovative solutions to enhance their daily lives. This has led to a growing interest in robotics for household chores and industrial applications.

“Additionally, with the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, there is a growing demand for automated delivery systems and drones. This trend is driven by the desire for convenience and efficiency, as well as the need for contactless delivery options during the pandemic.

“In Nigeria, the Robotics Market is experiencing a rise in automation and artificial intelligence, with businesses using robots for various tasks such as manufacturing, logistics, and customer service. This trend is expected to continue as companies seek to increase efficiency and reduce costs.”

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the founder of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria, Ibadan, Oyo State, Dr Olusola Ayoola, explained that robotics “is the hardware component of AI through which electrical systems which are also mechanical in nature to be intelligent enough to collect data about the environment and make decision without human interference.”

He highlighted the roles of robots in car manufacturing, and healthcare, and emphasised that “tech in Nigeria can only grow when there is an adoption, because it’s in the adoption that we get feedback and from that we improve then there is funding to continue research.”

Ayoola added, “When you create solutions that nobody is testing or giving you feedback, I don’t think you have done the best, or you will stop growing. So, with the promotion of local adoption, we will see robotics grow in the country.

“One of the things we are going to see is improved precision in our manufacturing processes in Nigeria. You have many companies that claim to be using tech but are not adopting robotics. So, they are using it the way it was commissioned (even though it has lost its calibration) because it’s not intelligent enough to adjust itself.

“With robotic systems, food and beverage companies will improve their precision rather than depending on an expatriate to readjust its system when it’s production quality has reduced. Most companies complain about the cost of production and that’s because even with the tech they are adopting, there is still the area where humans have to play a role. For instance, packaging. Robots can easily package items.”

The robotics expert also explained that when robots are trained to perform given tasks, they intervene in the area of compromises rather than relying on human beings who close up a company due to a problem.

“Robots will not do that. They will simply follow the rules and solve the compromise and that is if they are well programmed and have a lot of access to a lot of intelligent robot developers that can program it as it should be.

“Robotics will also improve record keeping. I am worried that sometimes systems go faulty and there is no reporting or recording of this. This means we don’t learn from mistakes.

“There are times we have machines that will even injure a staff and there is no record or improved safety. What we should be seeing is the advent of robotics that there is some way it learns from its mistakes. That’s what robots do; they learn from their mistakes and get better with time,” Ayoola clarified.

Highlighting the challenges confronting robotics, Ayoola explained that access to knowledge is limited as most universities in Nigeria teach mechatronics and not robotics.

He pointed out that robotics currently is learned at the PhD level when a student decides to do a robotics project and he or she decides to go learn it on their own.

He added, “We need to have more facilities that do training just like RAIN so that more people can actually walk in there with zero knowledge and come out as a hero. We also need to have more mecha spaces across Nigeria.

“These are the kind of spaces you go to where the robotics training kits, infrastructure, and tools are found and the human resources are all gathered in one spot. With that, you can build a product from scratch.

“The low level of trust is also a problem because when companies don’t trust local talent, they won’t give them the opportunity. When a Nigerian says, ‘Oh I can build a drone,’ which is a robot, and then no company says ‘Let’s bank on you, build 10 drones.’ But they expect you to have come from abroad.

“And robotics is a combination of theoretical knowledge and physical skill, so people may have that skill, but if they are not allowed to test it in the real world, they might never improve.”

Ayoola further listed the high cost of importation of robotics kits and facilities as a factor that has limited many robotics to software, rather than hardware.

He urged investors, governments, professional bodies and international organisations to deliberately ensure that the hardware form of robotics is improved to birth AI solutions in Nigeria.