Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators
On August 1st, 2024, the University of Nairobi hosted the Infinix X UNESCO Cog Labs STEM Workshop. The one-day event brought together thought leaders, educators, and UoN students, fostering an environment of innovation and learning. This collaborative effort marked a significant step towards empowering the next generation with the tools and knowledge to excel in the AI-driven future, an event designed to inspire today’s youth with AI education.
The workshop was characterized by a hands-on immersion into AI through interactive sessions and collaborative projects. Five UoN students from different faculties were recognized and awarded as the winning team after successfully building a robot through coding. Malcom Davis Orwa, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Mercy Achieng Omeny, Faculty of Science and Technology, Owuor Jeanne Venney Awuor, Faculty of Engineering, Christopher Maramba, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Morgan Lenkepe, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Mr. John Orindi, Director Corporate Affairs who represented the Vice Chancellor, expressed his gratitude and excitement in hosting the event, ‘We are thrilled to host Infinix, a pioneering brand synonymous with innovation and a steadfast commitment to empowering youth. Today, they unveil a remarkable project aimed at equipping our students with vital skills in robotics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. The mobile phone sets are equipped with AI apps that allow today's student to learn and interact with technology to perform online jobs. This initiative resonates profoundly with our mission at the University of Nairobi, which is to nurture talent, foster creativity, and prepare our students to meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities of the 21st century.
At the University of Nairobi, we are dedicated to producing market-ready graduates who are not just job seekers, but also innovators and entrepreneurs capable of creating their own employment opportunities. The current landscape demands that we equip our students with not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that will enable them to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.’
Michael Zeng, Brand Manager of Infinix Kenya highlighted Infinix's commitment to supporting the development of cloud labs, mobile applications, and providing Infinix smartphones to enhance students' experiences in each workshop. "Today, we are proud to present you the preview of the Cog Labs mobile application, where robot making is made easy anywhere, anytime across the world," Zeng announced, showcasing the innovative tool designed to facilitate accessible learning.
Amber Zhao, AI product manager at Infinix, showcased the company's advancements in AI education and their commitment to supporting STEM learning in Africa. She highlighted Infinix's achievements in developing AI-powered tools and applications that cater to the unique needs of African students, including the introduction of voice interaction technology supporting major African languages.
Joan Nadal, a renowned inventor from UNESCO, took the stage to discuss the organization's efforts to promote STEM education worldwide. He shared his personal journey from the automotive business to creating educational robots for his daughter using open-source software and 3D printing. Joan highlighted how his interest in technology and design grew into a global educational program funded by UNESCO. His discussion stressed the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and technology businesses in developing long-term educational programs.
He went further to address the two main challenges in educational robotics: the high cost and complexity of existing robots and the underutilization of old smartphones. He presented a solution by repurposing old smartphones as the brains of educational robots, using open-source components and software. This innovative approach not only makes robotics education more affordable but also promotes sustainability by giving new life to discarded technology.
Google's Head of Development for Africa, John Kimani provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of the company's AI journey. From its early experiments in recognizing cat videos to the development of groundbreaking platforms like Tensor Flow, Google has been at the forefront of AI innovation. Kimani highlighted the practical applications of AI in everyday life, such as Google Maps and self-driving cars, and emphasized the company's commitment to inclusivity, demonstrated by Google Translates support for over 250 languages, including those spoken in Africa. He concluded by emphasizing AI's transformative potential across various sectors and Google's dedication to making this technology accessible to everyone.
Participants had the opportunity to engage in an interactive workshop where they built robots, programmed them using Scratch, and integrated AI capabilities through Google's Teachable Machine. These hands-on sessions not only provided practical experience but also encouraged students to explore the possibilities of AI and robotics in solving real-world problems.
This Workshop stood as a testament to the power of partnership in driving educational advancement. By combining industry expertise, academic rigor, and international support, the event laid a strong foundation for nurturing a generation of AI-driven leaders in Africa.
