UNIMA Students Win Robotics Innovation Competition

Students pursuing various programmes at UNIMA have emerged as winners of a competition organized by the Robotics Foundation Limited Malawi. The prize presentation ceremony took place on 15th December, 2024, at the Robotics Foundation Limited Malawi offices. The event attracted participants from various universities, including the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) and the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST). Additionally, innovative individuals from Blantyre and students from different technical colleges participated in the competition.

The competition focused on identifying the best 2024 artificial intelligence innovations and robotics projects that can be applied across different government sectors to achieve sustainable development goals.

The UNIMA team comprised 10 students pursuing Bachelor’s degrees in Electronics, Computer Networking, Management, Information Technology, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Programming, and related fields. They developed a machine called the Rover Square: a trolley designed to transport commodities without requiring physical labour. The students explained that the machine operates by following a user who possesses a coded electrical property material that enables the machine to track and move with them.

The students expressed gratitude to their course lecturers, Mr. Patrick Mzaza and Mr. Lumbani Lobole, who accompanied them to the ceremony and provided support throughout the competition.

“For the students to participate, there were several motivating factors. Some of these included the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas at the national level for the country’s economic growth, to interact and share their innovative skills with students from different universities, and to gain recognition from the industrial sector once the competition is publicized, among others,” said Lobole.

Considering how labour-intensive it is for people to transport items or commodities in hospitals, shops, construction companies, agricultural farms, and other sectors, the students deemed it wise to implement the Rover Square to minimize labour and save time when transporting such items.

“The innovation aligns with the country’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 2: Zero Hunger, as it can be used in agriculture to transport farm produce,” said Luwatiko Mlamba, a fourth-year student. He further stated that the innovation is environmentally friendly since it does not rely on fossil fuels.

Additionally, the innovation will contribute to improved public health by enabling doctors to attend to patients promptly with the necessary medical supplies. It will also boost industrial productivity by allowing workers who would otherwise be tasked with physically transporting commodities to focus on other essential roles within their institutions.

During the event, students showcased various innovations, and UNIMA students emerged as the overall winners. They were awarded a trophy, branded robotics T-shirts, medals, and a cash prize of MK300,000.