The Responsible AI Lab (RAIL) hosted its inaugural RAIL Robotics Challenge on 1st February 2025 at the RWESCK Auditorium, KNUST. The event aimed to inspire innovation and problem-solving, encouraging students to apply their robotics and programming skills to address real-world challenges with impactful health, agriculture and energy solutions.
The RAIL Robotics Challenge under RAIL Phase II is an initiative supported by Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D Africa) with funding from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Canada, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), UK.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Eunice Akyereko Adjei, Women in Technology Officer, RAIL and lead for the RAIL Robotics Club initiative, highlighted the competition's significance in showcasing young innovators' creativity and problem-solving abilities. She emphasised that the challenge brought together two Junior High Schools (JHS) and four Senior High Schools (SHS) after a year-long Python programming and Arduino coding training program.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Principal Investigator and Scientific Director, RAIL, mentioned RAIL’s commitment to nurturing young minds. He described the initiative as a ‘mustard seed’, expressing confidence that with proper mentorship and guidance, the students' projects can potentially transform key sectors of the economy. “We are committed to training the next generation of problem-solvers. The knowledge gained should translate into action and tangible solutions," Prof. Kponyo stated.
He also announced RAIL’s vision to expand the initiative to RAIL satellite labs in Cape Verde and beyond, fostering a global robotics challenge. He called for partnerships and collaborations to support this mission of equipping young minds with the skills needed for technological and national development.
Participants from Ayeduase Roman Catholic JHS and Good Shepherd JHS showcased innovative projects aimed at solving real-world challenges. Ayeduase Roman Catholic JHS presented a smart farm and irrigation system designed to enhance farming security and optimise water usage. Good Shepherd JHS developed a garbage collection robot that replaces manual waste collection with an obstacle avoidance system.
Good Shepherd JHS emerged as the winner, receiving a cash prize of GH₵3,000.00 for robotic kits for the club, a plaque and medals.
The SHS category featured projects from Dormaa SHS, Atebubu SHS, KNUST SHS, and St. Louis SHS, addressing critical challenges through robotics and AI solutions. Dormaa SHS developed an automatic poultry farming system, reducing manual labour and enhancing poultry management. Atebubu SHS designed a smart water testing kit, providing quick and accurate water quality analysis in under 30 seconds. KNUST SHS introduced MedMate, a healthcare app aimed at bridging the gap between patients and doctors. St. Louis SHS showcased an energy meter that provides real-time energy readings to help users monitor consumption efficiently.
Dormaa SHS claimed victory, winning a cash prize of GH₵3,000.00 for robotic kits for the club activities, a plaque, and medals. All RAIL Robotics Club members and mentors were given certificates of participation.
Mr. Bismark Owusu and Mr. Ferdinand Sam, mentors of the newly inaugurated RAIL Robotics Club at Afia Kobi Ampem Girls SHS, shared their success stories in previous clubs to inspire students to explore and experiment with new ideas. They encouraged mentors to guide students by setting specific tasks and timelines, ensuring the continuous growth and development of young minds in robotics.
The maiden RAIL Robotics Challenge marked the beginning of a transformative journey, equipping students with essential technical skills and problem-solving abilities to shape the future of engineering, technology, and AI-driven solutions.
