Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Studies Institute in Nigeria: A step in the right direction. Umar Dalhat Muaz highlights the gains if only the Nigerian government allows the projects to stand, by ensuring that the necessary enablers otherwise called enabling environment, are in place.
Professor Bart Nnaji, a renowned scientist and engineer is set to establish robotics and artificial intelligence studies Institute in Nigeria.
Nnaji, who completed his postdoctoral fellowship in Artificial Intelligence at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and later served as a Distinguished Professor of Engineering and Director of the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, before moving to the University of Pittsburgh to lead a research consortium funded by the United States National Science Foundation, shared with the audience that the Federal Government had successfully reviewed the institute through the offices of the Attorney General, Minister of Justice, and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
The institute
The institute, which was approved by the Federal Government after a four-year review process, aims to promote the study of computer sciences, intelligent machine and robot technology, and algorithms that enable machines to perform intelligent behaviour with minimal human intervention.
Nigeria’s decision to establish a Robotics and AI Institute is a commendable step towards harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence and robotics to drive economic growth, improve healthcare, and enhance education. This move is expected to propel Nigeria into the league of nations that have leveraged robotics and AI to achieve remarkable breakthroughs.
US, Japan Models
Countries like Singapore, Japan, and the United States have already established similar institutions, and the results are impressive. For instance:
Singapore has made significant strides in various industries, including:
– Healthcare: Singapore’s National University Health System (NUHS) uses robotic surgery systems, which have improved surgical outcomes and reduced recovery time by 90%.
– Education: Singapore’s educational institutions are using AI-powered adaptive learning systems to provide personalized education to students.
– Transportation: Singapore is testing autonomous vehicles on its roads, with plans to implement self-driving taxis and buses.
Japan has also achieved notable successes in:
– Healthcare: Japan’s hospitals use robots like Robear to assist with patient transfer, reducing the risk of injury to caregivers by 80%.
– Manufacturing: Japan’s manufacturing industry is using robots and AI to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality.
– Agriculture: Japan is using AI-powered drones and robots to improve crop yields, reduce waste, and optimize farming practices.
The United States has made significant advancements in:
– Healthcare: The US’s National Institutes of Health (NIH) uses AI-powered systems to develop personalized treatment plans for patients, resulting in an 85% improvement in patient outcomes.
– Education: The US is using AI-powered adaptive learning systems to provide personalized education to students.
– Customer Service: Many US companies are using AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to provide 24/7 customer support.
– Transportation: The US is testing autonomous vehicles on its roads, with plans to implement self-driving taxis and buses.
With the establishment of the Robotics and AI Institute, Nigeria can expect to witness similar advancements in various sectors, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, agriculture, and customer service. This institute will provide a platform for researchers, scientists, and innovators to develop and implement AI-powered solutions that address Nigeria’s unique challenges.
As Nigeria joins the ranks of nations that have harnessed the power of robotics and AI, we can expect to see significant improvements in productivity, efficiency, and innovation, ultimately driving economic growth and development.
