In a world increasingly driven by technology, the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) continues to lead the way in embracing innovation. The university’s Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab recently welcomed its newest member: AIRA, a state-of-the-art robot designed to revolutionise research, education, and innovation in AI and robotics.
AIRA, short for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Accelerator, is not just any robot. She provides a cutting-edge platform for integrating AI into robotics, enabling students, researchers, and industry collaborators to explore new frontiers in the field.
Thanks to the support of EcoRobotics, which played a crucial role in helping NUST acquire AIRA, this groundbreaking addition is now empowering students and researchers to push the boundaries of possibility.
Transforming Learning and Innovation
AIRA enables students to explore Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), particularly how humans can work alongside robotic systems. Currently, NUST Honours students and an exchange student from Aalborg University (Denmark) are investigating how humans develop trust in robotic interactions, focusing on building confidence in digital collaborations. This hands-on approach helps students understand how robots can be valuable allies in tasks requiring precision, repetition, and responsiveness.
Beyond interaction studies, AIRA serves as a dynamic learning platform, giving students hands-on experience in programming, machine learning, and robotics. Whether training AI models or programming robotic behaviors, AIRA acts as an invaluable teaching assistant, bringing theoretical concepts to life.
Research and Innovation at NUST
AIRA will play a pivotal role in ongoing research projects, including:
- AI Development – Training neural networks for facial recognition, natural language processing, and decision-making.
- Robotics Applications – Exploring autonomous navigation, human-robot interaction, and industry-specific robotics solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing.
With the support of EcoRobotics and NUST’s dedication to cutting-edge research, AIRA is set to transform education and innovation at the university.
Please contact us if you’re interested in seeing AIRA in action or to learn how you can collaborate with the NUST Robotics Lab. Together, we’re building a smarter, more innovative future!
Edward Nepolo
+264 81 329 0294
enepolo@nust.na