The science of robotics is fast developing and is changing many facets of contemporary civilization. Nigeria has not lagged behind in this technical growth despite being a developing nation. Robotics and its use in many industries have drawn more attention in Nigeria in recent years. The purpose of this article is to examine the condition of robotics in Nigeria, as well as its difficulties and potential for development.
The field of technology known as robotics is concerned with the creation, maintenance, use, and application of robots. Robots are machines that have been programmed to carry out a variety of tasks that ordinarily call for human involvement.
These machines have sensors, actuators, and other specialized parts that give them the ability to interact with their surroundings, make judgments, and perform tasks with extreme accuracy and precision.
Area of Applications of Robotics in Nigeria
Although the robotics sector in Nigeria is still in its infancy, it has already demonstrated significant growth and development potential. In Nigeria, robots has been used in a variety of industries, including agriculture, healthcare, and education.
- One area in Nigeria where robotics has been gaining popularity is education. Students are instructed in the design, construction, programming, and use of robots through robotics education. The next generation of engineers, computer scientists, and innovators who will propel Nigeria's technological advancement require this kind of education. Robotics programs and courses are now being offered at a number of Nigerian colleges and institutions. The University of Nigeria Nsukka, Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), and the Lagos State University (LASU) are a few of these institutes.
- Robotics is also progressing significantly in Nigeria's healthcare sector. Surgery support, disease diagnosis, and rehabilitation services are all now possible with the help of robots. For instance, a Nigerian business called LifeBank created a drone delivery system in 2017 to carry blood and other medical supplies to remote regions of the nation. Many lives in Nigeria have been saved thanks to this invention, particularly in the country's remote regions where access to healthcare is poor.
- Robots are being employed in agriculture to boost output, lower labor costs, and raise crop yields. Babban Gona, a Nigerian firm, created a mobile app, for instance, that employs machine learning algorithms to assist farmers in maximizing their crop harvests. Based on information gathered from sensors and other sources, the app suggests the ideal planting times, fertilizer application rates, and irrigation schedules.
- Robotics is being utilized in industry to automate production processes, lower mistake rates, and boost productivity. Robots are already used in Nigerian manufacturing processes by a number of businesses. For instance, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer Transsion Holdings' Nigerian affiliate, constructed a new assembly facility in 2019 that was outfitted with robots to help in the manufacturing of cellphones.
Challenges of robotics growth and development in Nigeria
- The absence of proper infrastructure, notably in terms of energy and internet connectivity, is one of the main problems. Robots are challenging to use and maintain in Nigeria due to the unreliable power supply, and the country's weak internet access restricts the flow of data and other resources needed for robotics operations.
- Lack of funds for robotics research and development is another issue. In Nigeria, other industries like oil and gas and agriculture receive the majority of money for research and development, leaving the robotics sector largely underfunded. It is challenging for startups and innovators to create and market new technology and products in the robotics sector due to a shortage of funding.
- In Nigeria, there is also a lack of qualified robotics professionals. There are few options for training and upskilling domestically, which accounts for the majority of robotics specialists having received their education abroad. It is challenging for the industry to develop and expand at a faster rate due to this labor scarcity.
- Another issue is that students and the general public don't know about or care about robotics education. In Nigeria, robotics education is a relatively new field that few people are familiar with. The department has taken initiatives to raise students' and the public's knowledge of and interest in robotics education. To interest students and the general public in robotics, the department sponsors outreach initiatives, contests, and workshops in the subject.
