Infinix has just held the largest CogLabs innovation and learning workshop at UoN with its partners, UNESCO, Google, and the University of Nairobi. This one-day event was held on Friday under the theme “Get in Now,” bringing together 200 students empowered with skills in Artificial Intelligence and robotics.
CogLabs aims at preparing and equipping the next generation with experiences in robotics, machine learning, and AI so their careers are set right in the future. The project attempts to bridge the AI and robotics gap and make it fun for young people. During the workshop, they learned how to design and build robots that have 3D-printed parts, working on second-hand phones using very basic electronics. The participants underwent training on how to program the robots in recognizing images, sounds, and poses to carry out simple tasks.
UoN Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama termed the workshop as a key milestone towards revamping STEM education in Kenya. In a speech read by UoN Director of Corporate Affairs John Orindi, Prof. Kiama noted that many students find STEM subjects challenging due to misconceptions about their complexity and perceived gender biases. He focused attention on the CogLabs workshop, calling it a threshold for future innovators, with an objective to produce graduates who would not just be job seekers but innovators and entrepreneurs.
According to Infinix Kenya Brand Manager Michael Zeng, the project has focused on enhancing capacity building in key areas such as robotics, machine learning, and AI. Reiterating this, Joan Nadal, Master Trainer of UNESCO at STEM Education, said that the project aims at empowering the next generation in embracing AI and Robotics. For Nadal, there is a need to give hands-on tools and resources that will spark curiosity and arm the young learner with relevant practical skills for a digital age.
According to John Kimani, the head of developer relations for Sub-Saharan Africa at Google, it’s a goal quite near to CogLabs’ mission. He further noted that their mobile application, developed by Google, will let everybody make experiments in machine learning and programming without using a laptop, so any person could create robotic wonders.
Infinix is planning to set up more CogLabs Workshops across Africa, equipping students with practical learning activities. These workshops will integrate 3D printing, robot making, and basic knowledge about programming as a way to empower youth to explore advanced technologies and promote sustainable development.