The School of Computing and Information Technology at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has established the Social Robotics Lab, a pioneering initiative dedicated to advancing robotics research and innovation.
Led by Dr. Eunice Njeri, the lab focuses on developing robots capable of engaging in social interactions within human environments, enhancing their ability to assist, communicate, and collaborate effectively with people.
The actualization of this initiative was made possible through the support of various partners including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization-World Academy of Sciences (UNESCO-TWAS), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in Germany, and the Mozilla Foundation.
The collaborations have facilitated knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the promotion of responsible AI practices, demonstrating a commitment to advancing technological innovation in Africa.
While acknowledging the contribution and support towards the project, Dr. Eunice Njeri, Principal Investigator and Lead of the Social Robotics Lab Initiative said, “I am deeply honored to have received the TWAS UNESCO SgNAPI grant in 2022, which enabled the establishment of the first Social Robotics Lab at JKUAT. This milestone will significantly enhance robotics research, training, and responsible computing.”
According to Dr. Njeri, the lab’s research encompasses several key areas. The first is education, where students develop robotic tools to facilitate learning and enhance educational engagement.
Secondly, in social training, robots assist in developing social skills, particularly for individuals facing social challenges. The third area focuses on assistive robots, which are designed to aid individuals with disabilities, promoting independence and accessibility.
“In August 2024, we received the Pepper robot, a humanoid robot equipped with advanced sensing capabilities. This acquisition is set to propel the lab’s research in human-robot interaction, facilitating innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of human-centered robotics,” explained Dr. Njeri.
The lab is also equipped with NAO, a robot with a knack for knowledge and response to its environment by recognizing people and their emotions. NAO is Fluent in over 20 languages, communicates effortlessly with students from diverse cultures and is equipped with tactile sensors in its head, hands, and feet.
By integrating human-centered and responsible computing principles, the lab aims to foster intuitive and empathetic interactions between people and robots. The lab has seen many students innovate and research on how to improve these intractions. Notably, five MSc. Software Engineering students, Caroline Katumbi, Eric Otieno, Paul Ndemo, and Peter Kabunyi, have significantly benefited from and contributed to the lab’s growth.
Peter Kabunyi,an MSc. Software Engineering student has focused on Leveraging Knowledge Graphs to enhance the semantic understanding of text in robotics. The Social Robotics lab has not only benefitted him in his postgraduate research but has opened doors for him to interact with key industry players and many other students who also train in the lab.
“This approach is particularly vital for designing a robot tutor tailored for visually impaired students. By utilizing Knowledge Graphs, we can create more intuitive and context-aware interactions, allowing the robot to understand and respond to the educational needs of these students more effectively,” shared Mr. Kabunyi. Led by Dr. Eunice Njeri, the lab focuses on developing robots capable of engaging in social interactions within human environments, enhancing their ability to assist, communicate, and collaborate effectively with people.
Dr. Eunice Njeri is especially grateful to the JKUAT Grants Office for their invaluable support. Navigating the numerous procedures involved in shipping such specialized equipment can be challenging, and their assistance was instrumental in ensuring a smooth process. For more details on JKUAT Social Robotics Lab, kindly visit: https://www.jkuatsocialroboticslab.com/