By Agatha Ngotho
Students at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology have made a significant breakthrough in the development of self-operating machines, potentially benefiting the agricultural sector.
The students unveiled their innovations last Wednesday through the
university’s Robotics Dojo training
programme.
Local technological solutions have become crucial to issues impacting farmers, according to Shohei Aoki, coordinator of JKUAT’s Robotic Dojo Programme.
The challenges facing the sector include rising demand for food and declining number of workers in rural areas. Laser sensors for autonomous (self-operating) navigation provide hope for farmers striving to support precision farming and lower post-harvest losses.
Robots can now map fields and identify the precise requirements of various crops.
Less waste, higher crop yields, and the promotion of sustainable farming practices will allow farmers to leverage water, fertiliser and pesticides.
“Along with precision farming, robots can improve planting by acting as autonomous seeders. This allows for accurate seeding across fields while maintaining uniform crop growth and reducing the labour-intensive task of seeding,” Aoki said.
Hotels in the hospitality industry can employ autonomous robots with laser sensors for effective cleaning and room service.
Likewise, basic appliances such as vacuum cleaners can make use of this technology to intelligently navigate spaces, guaranteeing complete cleaning without the need for human intervention.
In general, the progress of self-driving technology holds promise for augmenting effectiveness and output in various domains, rendering routine tasks more effortless and productive for all,” he continued. Robotics have the power to revolutionise weed and pest control.
“Autonomous robots can now spray herbicides and pesticides with incredible precision, only targeting the areas where they are required. This reduces the need for chemicals, allowing farmers to save money while also having a lower environmental impact.
“Beyond spraying, these robots are intended to harvest crops autonomously, identifying ripe produce and picking it efficiently without human intervention,” he added.
This not only reduces the need for manual labour but also speeds up the harvesting process, which is crucial during labor shortages.
The programme, now in its third year, is a key component of the AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project, which aims to boost local talent and accelerate robotics research.
This year’s competition centered on the use of laser sensors for autonomous (self-operating) navigation, a technology with enormous potential for local farmers. Aoki said students were allocated a budget not exceeding Sh20,000 for developing experimental robots.
Dr Hiram Ndiritu, the Principal of the College of Engineering and Technology in JKUAT said there is a growing significance of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors.
He noted 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,” said Ndiritu.
“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,” he added.
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.
He 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.