Mount Kenya University has introduced a groundbreaking Robotics and AI and Immersive Technologies Laboratory, and revealed the Walker E Educ...
Mount Kenya University has introduced a groundbreaking Robotics and AI and Immersive Technologies Laboratory, and revealed the Walker E Educational Humanoid Robot.
A university based in Thika mentioned that the facility, which is the first of its type in the area, will enhance practical learning in disciplines like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Data Science, which are becoming more sought after worldwide.
The chairman of MKU, Professor Simon Gicharu, stated that the humanoid robot will provide students with hands-on experience, allowing them to code, train, and evaluate new algorithms on a fully operational device.
Professor Gicharu also mentioned that the funding involved innovation grants for research and developments aimed at addressing practical issues.The chairman and founder of Mt Kenya University, Prof Simon Gicharu, officially reveals the robo, designed to revolutionize robotics and AI education at MKU by enabling students to code, train, and evaluate new algorithms on a fully operational, real-world device. /JOHN MUCHUCHA
In addition to the new humanoid robot and lab, the School of Engineering, Energy, and the Built Environment has been equipped with advanced laboratory facilities to improve hands-on education and foster creativity.
The enhanced laboratory will facilitate research in solar and wind energy systems, equipping students for the expanding field of renewable energy.
The institution also introduced a Phantom Head Skills Laboratory to enhance education in dental disciplines.The MKU Chairman and Founder, Prof Simon Gicharu, officially launches the MKU Robotics, AI, Data Science, and Immersive Technologies Lab — a pioneering facility in the area. /JOHN MUCHUCHA
Professor Gicharu emphasized MKU's commitment to enhancing students' learning experiences with contemporary technology and innovation-driven platforms.
"We are dedicated to offering our students the optimal learning environment by supplying them with up-to-date, relevant technological tools that will help them learn, think creatively, and develop new solutions. The Walker E Educational Humanoid Robot — now completely set up — will provide practical learning opportunities as part of the newly introduced AI Robotics Lab," he stated.
Artificial intelligence is the upcoming major development, and let us take advantage of it.
He further mentioned that the university is exploring the possibility of establishing a specific innovation grant to support exceptional artificial intelligence initiatives, allowing students to transform their concepts into tangible prototypes via the MKU Incubation and Innovation Hub.
Professor Gicharu encouraged students to participate in hackathons, highlighting that these events enhance abilities, develop problem-solving expertise, and equip students with experience in practical innovation settings.
The laboratory dedicated to robotics and artificial intelligence will provide assistance with robotics and AI education, studies on human-robot collaboration, and student-based creation and commercialization of prototypes.Dr. John Kamau (left), the Dean of the School of Computing and Informatics, leads MKU's chairman and founder, Prof. Simon Gicharu, Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, and Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. Mercyline Kamande through a hands-on Robotics and AI session after the unveiling of the region's first-ever Robotics, AI, and Immersive Technologies Lab at MKU. /JOHN MUCHUCHA
A major highlight during the launch was the humanoid robot, which Dr. John Kamau, Dean of the School of Computing and Informatics at MKU, mentioned would help students gain practical skills in areas like robotics and AI.
"We have recently introduced an educational robot intended for research and training purposes. With this robot, students will gain knowledge on programming a robot, training it to carry out new tasks, and creating and testing new algorithms," he stated.
This human-like robot can be trained to identify speech, images, and carry out various tasks. It features legs and hands, making it a fully operational humanoid capable of performing almost any task that a human can do. This will improve training in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and related disciplines.
The robot, as you can see, is designed to improve the experience of our computer science and data science students, and will also serve purposes in research and education.
The university also introduced the new Phantom Head Skills Laboratory, which has been set up to enhance and broaden the training of dental students.
Professor Deogratius Jaganyi, Vice Chancellor of MKU, stated that the laboratory would be a key component of preclinical training in dentistry, enabling students to apply the dental procedures they learn in class.
The laboratory will enable students to develop expertise and understanding of the standard operating procedures used in a dental clinic, providing practical experience in a safe setting prior to working with actual patients.
"When you examine the dental laboratory, the equipment we've placed on the table is entirely AI-powered, allowing you to take a scan of someone's mouth and order the creation of a tooth tailored to that specific patient," said Prof Jaganyi.
The MKU Library has also seen a significant enhancement through the purchase of new books and academic resources from well-known international and local publishers.
At the transition period, Professor Jaganyi motivated staff to keep releasing work in peer-reviewed publications and writing scholarly texts as a means of broadening academic understanding and presenting their findings to the worldwide academic network.
By implementing these efforts, the Vice Chancellor stated, MKU shows a firm dedication to practical education, real-world research, and tech-based advancement.
"Students today can utilize top-tier facilities that encourage innovation, develop hands-on skills, and equip them to tackle real-life problems, preparing them to take leadership roles in an ever-changing global environment," he stated.
