Over the weekend, the news that Nigeria has successfully launched Africa’s first humanoid robot broke the internet. The feat attracted positive reactions worldwide, with stakeholders saying that the achievement sets Nigeria and the continent on the right path for global inclusion in technological advancement.
During the unveiling ceremony of the humanoid robot, christened Omeife, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ably represented by the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Ali Pantami, revealed that the project could generate as much as $11.6 billion within three years if commercialized.
He also revealed that the federal government would support the company and other stakeholders to ensure the country’s domestication of advanced technology and Artificial Intelligence. “We are ready to support you and commercialize this technology.
We want to see it deployed in our farms, road construction, and in our classrooms,” Mr. Ali remarked. He also noted that the office of the Vice President had sent a directive to the NITDA to partner with UNICCON Group for the domestication and commercialization of the Omeife technology
Below, we have highlighted all you need to know about Omeife, Africa’s First Humanoid Robot.
What is a Humanoid Robot?
A humanoid robot is a machine designed to have the shape of a human body or an animal. It is also referred to as an android and is covered with a flesh-like material.
They are regarded as professional service robots designed to imitate human motion, interaction, and activities. They can automate tasks, provide seamless services, and improve productivity. Humanoid robots are the products of advanced technology and Artificial Intelligence.
What does Omeife look like, and what can it do?
Omeife has a female feature, with dark skin and long hair. It has a near-human resemblance, coupled with commendable language proficiency, good human movement accuracy, and gestures – all powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern Computer Vision capabilities.
It can speak eight languages – Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, English, French, Arabic, Kiswahili, Pidgin, and Afrikaans.
The humanoid robot can be programmed to perform different tasks like teaching, instructing, surveillance, and other technical services. Usually, with the help of AI, robots can be programmed to do anything.
Who are the Brains Behind the Omeife Project?
Mr. Chucks Ekwueme is the Chairman/CEO of UNICCON Group, one of Africa’s leading hubs for STEM research, training, and solutions. The company designed Omeife.
Mr. Philip Adetunji is a Data Scientist who works for UNICCON Group and was instrumental in the design and creation of Omeife. He is a 2019 graduate of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL). His undergraduate project was published in the Journal of Scientific Research and Development 19(2).
Dr. Emeka Ogbuju is a mentor to Phillip Adetunji. He is one of Nigeria’s foremost scholars and a technology don. He is a lecturer at the Federal University Lokoja and was recently appointed by the NITDA to develop a National Artificial Intelligence Policy for Nigeria. He supervised Adetunji’s undergraduate project.
