MKU acquires educational humanoid robot to enhance AI training and research
Mount Kenya University has unveiled a latest-tech educational humanoid robot as it seeks to enhance and advance Artificial Intelligence (AI) training and research.
The robot is taunted to upscale research where students will use it to develop and test new algorithms, train it to do and understand new tasks and languages according to the university’s Dean School of Computing and Informatics Dr John Kamau.
Speaking at the institution in Thika town during the unveiling of the multi-million equipment by MKU Founder and Chairman Prof Simon Gicharu, Dr Kamau quipped that the robot will further serve as a practical link between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
The Dean also noted that the Walker E Educational Humanoid Robot will also be utilized in undergraduate teaching, post graduate research, capstone projects, technical courses and other educational programmes.
The university Vice Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi quipped that the institution is heavily focused on AI noting that new AI academic programmes and AI-driven approaches to learning have already been unveiled.
He divulged that the university’s renewed strategic plan and direction positions AI as central to teaching and learning adding that the humanoid robot is one of the equipment installed to implement the plan.
Prof Jaganyi averred that the robot will enhance hands on learning by facilitating a “learning by doing” approach, which is beneficial for students, especially Computer Science and Data Science students, who struggle with traditional lecture-based methods.
The VC revealed that the institution has revamped all programmes to align with the latest tech trends so as to give students and graduates a competitive edge in the global job arena.
“The University Board of Management and leadership is committed to make sure students have the latest kind of equipment to advance teaching and research at the University,” Prof Jaganyi said.
Also, the University has introduced 13 new and revised programmes, including flagship courses such as the Master’s and Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
“All university curricula will embrace artificial intelligence so as to effectively enhance the pedagogy for increased educational outcomes. We want to impart the requisite knowledge and skills to our students so that they can effectively and competitively fit in the global job market,” the VC said.
On his part, Prof Gicharu said that in line with the University’s vision to be a global hub for excellence in education, research, and innovation, AI is key in enhancing operational efficiency, supporting faculty-led research, driving student innovation, and enabling data-informed decision-making across the institution.
He maintained that AI is not something to belabor about but a technology to embrace and invest in to be in tandem with global demands.
“By embracing advancements in technology, we to improve the teaching and learning experience of our students and enhance operational efficiency at the University. We want to give our students all resources they require to succeed in their studies and ultimately in their lives” Prof Gicharu said.
Prof Gicharu also commissioned and handed over a new fully-fledged ambulance, Dental skills lab equipment, Engineering equipment and library books. He was accompanied by VC Jaganyi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic & Research Affairs, Dr Mercyline Kamande among other university officials.
The Chairman rallied students to utilize the equipments to sharpen their skills and knowledge saying they offer them limitless opportunities not just now but also in years to come.
“You stand at the frontier of a new era. With AI, you can not only innovate, but you can transform lives. During our times, we could only imagine things in makeshift laboratories, but now you have everything you can see and touch,” he noted.
Students led by Joy Watiri and Clifford Musyoka underscored the importance of the state-of-the-art equipment saying that it will enhance their practical skills that will enable them fit in the competitive and ever-changing job industry.
“We will acquire requisite knowledge and skills and also expand our expertise and get what the industry requires. Again, It will help develop our innovative ideas into solution-based projects,” Musyoka said.
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