Some have argued that as the world increasingly develops better technology, Africa will become the next big player in this movement. Dr. Ayorkor Korsah, assistant professor at Ashesi University College, believes that Robotics will be key to preparing Africa’s generation for its future role in this revolution.
Dr. Ayorkor Korsah has been a technology evangelist for as long as she can remember. Growing up in Nigeria and Ghana, she first wanted to be an astronaut, then an engineer. She eventually went on to study in the United States, where she discovered her love for Computer Science during an introductory programming class. She earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Dartmouth College, followed by a PhD in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence from Carnegie Mellon University. Now, one year after her return to Ghana, Dr. Korsah is working to bringing Computer Science to the fore in Africa – through Robotics.
Earlier in 2012 Dr. Korsah teamed up with visiting robotics professor Ken Goldberg from University of California, Berkeley, to form the African Robotics Network (AFRON). AFRON aims to marshal institutions and individuals working on robotics-related areas in Africa, strengthen communication and encourage collaboration among them.
“There are many robotics activities emerging in Africa," says Dr. Korsah, "Our goal is to highlight, enhance, and provide support for efforts in different parts of the continent."
One of AFRON’s projects, which was launched in April 2012, is the $10 Robot Design Challenge, which hopes to find creative ways to design a simple robot with parts that cost under $10 that students can use to explore computer science and engineering subjects.
Professor Goldberg recognizes that building a programmable robot for just $10 is a challenge. But he points out that AFRON wants “to get people thinking creatively. We are not sure it's possible, but it's a target to aim for."
AFRON’s advisory board currently includes role models like Patrick Awuah (President, Ashesi University College), Tim O’Reilly (Co-Founder of O’Reilly Media) and Dale Dougherty (Make Magazine). Inspired by other robotics networks like the European Robotics Network, AFRON will focus more broadly on education, research and industry, and work to expose more school children to robotics.