Media Wire Express Correspondent
A group of 12 young Tanzanians from diverse educational backgrounds has developed a robot photographer designed to address challenges faced by videographers, such as prolonged standing under the sun during events.
The innovation comes at a time when the Tanzanian government is shifting focus toward artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, as reflected in the recently announced national budget.
The Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Nape Nnauye, recently presented a 180.9 billion Tanzanian shilling spending plan for the 2024/25 financial year. The plan emphasizes constructing an AI laboratory and incorporating robotics into various sectors, a step that underscores the country’s commitment to advancing in this field
The robot photographer, which can function during both day and night with built-in lighting, was developed with support from experts in electronics, metalwork, wood, and aluminum. The team received guidance from Prof. Baraka Maiseli, head of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at the University of Dar es Salaam’s College of Information and Communication Technologies.
Brighton Katabazi, the director of KBTIT, a video recording studio in Dodoma, and one of the innovators, mentioned that the idea originated last year. The project was motivated by the challenges experienced by his studio staff, who often had to stand for long hours while recording at events.
“Sometimes, our workers have to stand in the sun while the person being recorded is in the shade. If the camera is left unattended and the subject moves, the operator has to adjust it manually,” Katabazi explained. “These challenges inspired us to design a robot that can hold a camera and capture high-quality images without the need for a human to move around.”
Currently, the robot operates using a remote control, allowing flexibility and ease of movement. The team plans to enhance it further with artificial intelligence for autonomous functionality.
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With 45% of the project completed so far, an investment of 3.5 million Tanzanian shillings has been made, and the total project cost is expected to reach 15 million shillings upon completion.
The government’s increased funding towards AI and robotics in the national budget indicates a supportive environment for such local innovations. This strategic direction is expected to significantly contribute to technological advancement and the broader application of AI and robotics in various sectors across Tanzania.
