The fourth edition of the Robotics DOJO competition concluded on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). This year’s contest brought together 11 teams comprising over 60 students from four universities: JKUAT, University of Nairobi, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, and Technical University of Kenya.
DOJO has become synonymous with JKUAT’s efforts to incubate ideas, and innovations that could be tapped to solve prevailing societal challenges. Funded under the AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the program provides intensive training in robotics, helping students acquire cutting-edge skills that align with industry demands.
Limit Breakers, a team of four students from JKUAT, emerged as the overall winners with their innovative project. Team lead Nathan Kingori, a final-year Electronics and Computer Engineering student, described the competition as “an eye-opener and an invaluable platform to sharpen industry-relevant skills.”
“We are so excited. We worked hard, including evenings and weekends to come up with our innovation. Because of teamwork and dedication, we have emerged winners,” Kingori said.
Speaking at the event’s opening, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi said the initiative aims to build Kenya’s capacity in robotic research and technology, a field that is swiftly gaining traction around the world.
“Robotics is no longer the stuff of science fiction, it is a vital component of our present and future. From healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing and transportation, robotics will play an increasingly critical role in driving innovation and improving lives,” Prof. Ngumi said.
The Vice Chancellor who was represented at the event by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration, Prof. Bernard Ikua, thanked the Japanese partners whose support has made the initiative a huge success.
Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Kenya Ogihara Hiroshi said the competition has provided students in JKUAT and beyond with strong platform for technological exploration and competencies generation.
DOJO aims to boost local talent in AI and robotics; accelerate research for practical applications, and bridge educational gaps in STEM fields. By integrating Japanese expertise, DOJO works to develop affordable, self-operating robots tailored to African challenges.
Coordinated by Dr. Shohei Aoki, the programme emphasizes hands-on learning in robotic design, fabrication, embedded Linux, control theory, 3D printing, and autonomous navigation, fostering a new generation of African tech leaders.
A key focus is agriculture, where participants build machines for precision farming, including autonomous seeders, crop harvesters, and laser-sensor-equipped navigators that map fields, reduce post-harvest losses, and minimize labor shortages. The project promotes resourcefulness and scalability, extending impacts to manufacturing and beyond.
Cumulative participation has reached over 200 students, with judging criteria evolving from basic functionality to precision and efficiency.
Participants gain real-world resilience, adapting prototypes to unpredictable environments, while international collaborations strengthen global ties. The programme not only builds technical prowess but ignites ethical innovation, positioning Africa at the forefront of a robotic revolution.
