Robotics in Africa: Automated Harvesters and Prosthetic Hands
18:05 25.01.2024 (Updated: 08:50 31.01.2024)
Robotics in Africa: Automated Harvesters and Prosthetic Hands
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With the increasing integration of technology in our lives we observe how robotics become an integral part of our civilization. AfroVerdict host chats with Zimbabwean pupils who've developed prototypes of robots that could take the country's agriculture to a new level, and a South African who shares his experience of living with a prosthetic hand.
Zimbabwean students found the inspiration to explore the possibility of developing robots that could "make life easier" in agriculture, according to Charles Matanga, computer science teacher, robotics mentor, national coordinator for robotics in Zimbabwe.
"We noticed that we can have driverless planters, driverless tractors, driverless combine harvesters which can be controlled remotely, and they can work 24/7," he says.
In addition, the robots do not have to use fuel, as there is a "prototype that can be solar-powered".
"We have a model, of course, it's a prototype, which can be developed to real application machines that can be solar-powered. At the same time we are reducing emission of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere whilst we are also automating our work in fields," Mr. Matanga explains.
The robotics expert hopes to see robotics being "introduced in rural areas", too, to make the process of gathering produce easier and safer for the local population.
"We are driven by the passion to see every Zimbabwean child being taught robotics and coding. And it is my wish to see, even in the rural areas, robotics being introduced. We really would love to see robotics being taught as an academic subject," he adds.
The second guest of the episode is the wielder of a prosthetic hand and an excellent example of how robotics can directly impact people's quality of life.
"I've been using [a] prosthesis from Motorica for about two years now, and it's been helping me. I've actually received 25% of my mobility back, and it helps a lot," Clive Padayachee, South African user of a Russian-made robotic arm.
He believes that AI could be the catalyst that will be able to significantly improve robotics tech.
"AI is the future. To go into that aspect of controlling your hand, I think will be a wonderful and a very creative way of getting people that lose their hand or lose a limb or lose the fingers, it would improve their life," he states.
Clive's wife stumbled on Motorica, a Russian robotics company that develops mechanical limbs for people, whilst searching for a way to help her husband find a prosthesis.
"I was lucky to be accepted by Motorica and the hand was made for me thanks to my wife who actually searched around," Clive recalls.
The option of prosthetic limbs is "not well-spread in South Africa", mainly due to the manufacturing and development costs.
"The prostheses that have been done here in South Africa [are], how can I say, old age. It's not as modern as what Motorica is presenting, and I think it should be something that should be advertised within South Africa, he explains.
To hear what else the robotics enthusiasts had to say, check out the entire episode of the AfroVerdict podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
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