JKUAT Students Unveil  Self-Operating Robots

Students put their robot through the paces

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) students have made a breakthrough in the development of self-operating machines, a move that could be a big boost to the agricultural sector.

The students unveiled their innovations on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 through the university’s Robotics Dojo training program. Now in its third year, the program is a key initiative within the AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project, which is designed to boost local talent and drive progress in robotics research.

This year’s competition focused on using laser sensors for autonomous (self-operating) navigation, a technology that holds immense promise for local farmers. With the challenges facing the sector, including the growing demand for food and the dwindling rural labour force, local technological solutions have become key to problems affecting farmers.

According to Dr. Shohei Aoki, a coordinator of the Robotic Dojo Programme at JKUAT, laser sensors for autonomous (self-operating) navigation serves a source of hope for local farmers in in efforts to support precision in farming and reduce post-harvest losses.

Dr. Aoki revealed that using laser sensors, robots can now map fields and pinpoint the exact needs of different crops. This, he said, enables farmers to optimize their use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, reducing waste, improving crop yields, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

In addition to precision farming, Dr. Aoki stated that robots equipped with autonomous navigation possess capabilities of improving planting by acting as autonomous seeders that can accurately plant seeds across fields while also maintaining uniform crop growth and reducing labour-intensive task of seeding.

Dr. Aoki highlighted the promising potential of laser sensors for autonomous navigation in various sectors. With students allocated a budget not exceeding Ksh. 20,000 for developing experimental robots, he noted that robotics research and product development could substantially support different industries such as agriculture and  manufacturing.

He added that Robotics are capable of transforming pest and weed control sector. He further added, “autonomous robots can now spray herbicides and pesticides with remarkable accuracy, only targeting areas where they are needed. This reduces the use of chemicals, helping farmers cut costs and lower the environmental impact. Beyond spraying, these robots are being designed to harvest crops autonomously, identifying ripe produce and picking it efficiently without human oversight.”

Dr. Hiram Ndiritu, the Principal of the College of Engineering and Technology, emphasized the growing significance of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors. He remarked that robots, equipped with technologies like laser sensors, are poised to revolutionize industries beyond agriculture, including hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing.

“In the hospitality sector, for example, autonomous robots can enhance room service and cleaning efficiency. These robots, designed to navigate spaces using laser sensors, will provide precise, reliable service and reduce the need for manual labor, allowing staff to focus on more specialized tasks,” Dr. Ndiritu explained.

He stressed the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in the field of robotics and urged students to remain curious and proactive in acquiring new skills.

Dr. Ndiritu encouraged students to pursue further research and development, noting that such innovations are essential in shaping the future of technology-driven industries in Kenya and beyond.

Since its inception in 2022, the Robotics Dojo has trained 146 students in robotics, with this year’s competition featuring 41 participants from JKUAT, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT), and the Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology, and Innovation (PAUSTI). The competition creates a challenge for students to envision and develop practical solutions to everyday problems.

Mohamed Ibrahim Tuke, a fourth-year student, pursuing Electronics and Computer Engineering who was the team lead of his robotics innovation-Limit Breaker,  revealed that he participated in the project to expand his knowledge in robotics.

“Competitions like this provide an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge into practical problem-solving, which pushes me to think creatively. Moreover, it allows me to benchmark my skills against my peers and contribute towards innovative solutions in sectors such as transportation and agriculture,” said Mohamed.

Mohamed believes that Robotics has claimed special attention in its problem-solving abilities and should not be ignored.

“When robots are paired with technologies like laser sensors, it offers solutions to many of the challenges farmers face today such as labour shortages, inefficient use of resources, and the rising cost of agricultural inputs,” said Mohamed.

Going forward, Mohammed plans to refine his innovations but he reveals that his ultimate aim is to commercialization of the research.

“I plan to enhance the robot’s efficiency and adaptability by refining its sensors and software algorithms. Additionally, I aim to explore new applications in agriculture and industrial automation, incorporating machine learning for better decision-making and improving its interaction with complex environments and commercialization of the final product,” said Mohamed.

Mohamed’s team emerged winner in the knowledge sharing category of the competition. Other categories were technical and game.

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