Students at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) have achieved a major milestone in the development of self-operating machines, which hold significant potential for transforming the agricultural sector. The students showcased their groundbreaking innovations last Wednesday as part of the university’s Robotics Dojo training programme.
According to Shohei Aoki, the coordinator of JKUAT’s Robotic Dojo Programme, local technological solutions are becoming increasingly vital for addressing the challenges faced by farmers. These challenges include rising food demand and a shrinking rural workforce. One of the key innovations presented involves the use of laser sensors for autonomous navigation, offering a promising solution to support precision farming and reduce post-harvest losses.
The newly designed robots are capable of mapping fields and determining the specific needs of different crops. This technology enables more efficient use of water, fertilizer, and pesticides, resulting in less waste, higher crop yields, and the promotion of sustainable farming practices. Aoki explained that robots, through precision farming, can also act as autonomous seeders, planting seeds accurately across fields to ensure uniform crop growth and reduce the labor-intensive nature of seeding.
In addition to their agricultural applications, autonomous robots with laser sensors have the potential to revolutionize the hospitality industry. These robots can be used for tasks such as cleaning and room service, providing effective and reliable service without human intervention. Basic household appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, can also benefit from this technology by intelligently navigating spaces for thorough cleaning.
Aoki further highlighted the broader impact of self-driving technology, noting its potential to improve efficiency and productivity across various sectors. He emphasized that autonomous robots could greatly enhance weed and pest control by precisely spraying herbicides and pesticides only where needed, reducing chemical usage, saving money, and minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, these robots are designed to autonomously harvest crops by identifying ripe produce and picking it efficiently, which is particularly valuable during labor shortages.
The Robotics Dojo programme, now in its third year, plays a key role in the AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project, which aims to develop local talent and accelerate robotics research. This year’s competition focused on the use of laser sensors for autonomous navigation, a technology that holds great promise for local farmers. Aoki mentioned that students were given a budget of no more than Sh20,000 to develop experimental robots.
Dr. Hiram Ndiritu, Principal of the College of Engineering and Technology at JKUAT, underscored the growing significance of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors. He explained that robots equipped with laser sensors are poised to revolutionize industries beyond agriculture, including hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing. In the hospitality sector, for instance, autonomous robots can enhance room service and cleaning efficiency by navigating spaces with precision and reducing the need for manual labor.
Dr. Ndiritu stressed the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in the field of robotics, urging students to remain curious and proactive in developing new skills. He encouraged them to pursue further research and development, noting that these innovations will play a critical role in shaping the future of technology-driven industries in Kenya and beyond.
