Mount Kenya University has launched a pioneering Robotics and AI and Immersive Technologies Lab and unveiled the Walker E Educational Humanoid Robot.
The Thika-based university said the facility, which is the first of its kind in the region, would transform hands-on learning in fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Data Science, which are increasingly in demand globally.
MKU chairman, Prof Simon Gicharu, said the humanoid robot will offer students practical experience, enabling them to program, train, and test new algorithms on a fully functional machine.
Prof Gicharu also said the investment included innovation grants for research and innovations geared at solving real-life challenges.
Mt Kenya University chairman and Founder Prof Simon Gicharu officially unveils the robo which is set to transform robotics and AI training at MKU by allowing students to program, train and test new algorithms on a fully functional, real-world machine. /JOHN MUCHUCHA
Other than the new humanoid robot and lab, the School of Engineering, Energy, and the Built Environment also received modern laboratory equipment to enhance practical learning and innovation.
The upgraded lab will support experiments in solar and wind energy technologies, preparing learners for the growing sustainable energy sector.
The university also unveiled a Phantom Head Skills Laboratory to strengthen training in dental studies.
MKU Chairman and Founder Prof Simon Gicharu officially unveils the MKU Robotics, AI, Data Science & Immersive Technologies Lab — the first of its kind in the region. /JOHN MUCHUCHA
Prof Gicharu reaffirmed MKU’s dedication to empowering learners through modern technology and platforms for innovation.
“We are committed to providing our students with the best learning environment by equipping them with modern, industry-relevant technology that will enable them to learn, innovate, and create new solutions. The Walker E Educational Humanoid Robot — now fully installed — will offer hands-on learning experiences as part of the newly launched AI Robotics Lab,” he said.
“AI is the next big thing, and let us make use of it.”
He also revealed that the university is considering setting up a dedicated innovation grant to fund outstanding artificial intelligence projects, enabling students to turn ideas into real prototypes through the MKU Incubation and Innovation Hub.
Prof Gicharu further challenged students to actively join hackathons, noting that such competitions sharpen skills, build problem-solving capacity, and prepare learners for real-world innovation environments.
The robotics and AI lab will support robotics and AI training, human–robot interaction research, and student prototyping and product development.
Dr John Kamau (left), Dean of the School of Computing and Informatics guides MKU chairman and Founder Prof Simon Gicharu, VC Prof Deogratius Jaganyi and Deputy VC Dr Mercyline Kamande through a practical Robotics and AI lesson following the launch of the region’s first-ever Robotics, AI, and Immersive Technologies Lab at MKU. /JOHN MUCHUCHA
A key attraction during the launch was the humanoid robot, which Dr John Kamau, the Dean, School of Computing and Informatics at MKU, said would be used to enable students to get real-life skills in fields such as robotics and AI.
“We have just launched an educational robot that will be used for research and training. Using this robot, the students will learn how to programme a robot, how to train it to perform new tasks, and also develop and test new algorithms,” he said.
“This humanoid robot can be taught how to recognise speech, images, and perform tasks. It has legs and hands and is a fully functional humanoid that can perform virtually all tasks that a human being can perform. This will enhance training in AI, machine learning, data science, and other fields within this particular area of study.”
“The robot, as you are seeing it, is really something that is going to enhance our computer science students, our data science students, and will be used for research and teaching as well.”
The university also unveiled the new Phantom Head Skills Laboratory, which has been installed as part of improving and expanding the training of dental students.
MKU Principal of Laboratory Technology Eliud Ng'ang'a (left), MKU Chairman and Founder Prof Simon Gicharu (center), Vice Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi and Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic and Research Dr Mercyline Kamande during the launch of the MKU Phantom Head Skills Laboratory. /JOHN MUCHUCHAProf Deogratius Jaganyi, Vice Chancellor MKU, said the laboratory would be an integral part of preclinical training in dentistry, allowing students to practice dental procedures taught in class.
The lab will also allow students to acquire skills and knowledge of the standard operating procedures of a dental clinic, gaining hands-on experience in a risk-free environment before treating real patients.
“When you look at the dental lab, the machines that we have actually put on the table are all AI-driven, where you are actually able to take the scan of somebody's mouth and be able to commission the making of a tooth for that particular patient,” said Prof Jaganyi.
The MKU Library has also received a major boost with the acquisition of new books and scholarly learning materials from reputable international and local publishers.
During the handover, Prof Jaganyi encouraged faculty members to continue publishing in peer-reviewed journals and authoring academic books as a way of expanding scholarly knowledge and sharing their contributions with the global academic community.
Through these initiatives, the Vice Chancellor said, MKU demonstrates a strong commitment to hands-on learning, applied research, and technology-driven innovation.
"Students now have access to world-class facilities that foster creativity, practical skills, and the ability to solve real-world challenges, ensuring they are prepared to lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape," he said.
