Infinix has powered the largest CogLabs workshop to date at the University of Nairobi, with participation from over 200 students. Themed “Get in Now,” this groundbreaking event, in collaboration with UNESCO and Google, aims to inspire today’s youth with hands-on experiences in AI and robotics education. The CogLabs initiative is designed to equip the next generation of thinkers and makers in Africa with accessible and engaging learning opportunities in robotics, machine learning, and AI.
Michael Zeng, Brand Manager of Infinix Kenya, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “It is a true honor for Infinix to collaborate with UNESCO and Google in globally promoting the CogLabs project. This project is designed to build capacity in crucial domains such as robotics, machine learning, and AI, with a focus on education equality to transform knowledge into resilient ownership and foster sustainable development.”
Making AI and Robotics Education Accessible
The CogLabs project is an innovative educational initiative aimed at making AI and robotics accessible and engaging for today’s youth. Participants of the workshop learned to design and build their own robots using 3D-printed parts and second-hand phones. These robots were trained to recognise images, sounds, and poses, and were programmed to perform simple tasks. The project emphasizes sustainable design, providing code files, FAQs, and support to guide users through their learning journey.
Joan Nadal, Master Trainer of UNESCO at STEM Education, highlighted the impact of the initiative: “The CogLabs project is a shining example of how we can inspire and empower the next generation to embrace the transformative power of AI and robotics. By partnering with innovative companies like Infinix and Google, we are providing young learners with the tools and resources to design, build, and program their own robotic creations. This hands-on approach not only sparks their curiosity but also equips them with the practical skills needed to thrive in the digital age.”
The event at the University of Nairobi drew the attention of esteemed guests and showcased the institution’s commitment to fostering technological advancements. This landmark workshop, the largest CogLabs event to date, witnessed the active participation of over 200 students who were empowered to acquire new skills and create impactful solutions for the future.
Participants engaged in hands-on activities such as assembling robots with 3D-printed parts and repurposed Infinix smartphones. They trained these robots to recognize surrounding objects and respond accordingly, gaining valuable insights into coding, machine learning, and AI recognition processes.
John Kimani, Head of Developer Relations Sub-Saharan Africa at Google, shared his excitement about the initiative: “We are thrilled to preview the mobile application of the CogLabs initiative. Google’s emphasis on promoting digital literacy and making learning accessible to all aligns perfectly with the CogLabs mission. This mobile application will empower everyone to explore the world of machine learning and programming without the need for a laptop, ensuring equal opportunities for all to create their own robotic wonders wherever they may be.”
Inspiring Africa’s Youth with AI Education
The CogLabs project stands as a testament to Infinix’s unwavering commitment to empowering today’s youth with cutting-edge technology and smart devices. Since its inception in Africa in 2013, Infinix says it has strategically focused on promoting groundbreaking initiatives across the continent.
Through in-depth market research and collaborations with leading industry suppliers and research institutions, Infinix has optimised its products to address the specific demands and needs of local users in Africa. This attention to detail and understanding of the African landscape sets the stage for the transformative impact of the CogLabs project.
Infinix says it has made significant advancements in AI education and adoption in Africa. In 2020, the company released voice interaction technology supporting Hausa and now provides support for major African languages. To further expand its language capabilities, Infinix has established specialized R&D centers focused on minor and regional languages across seven African countries, employing over 120 linguists. Amber Zhao, Infinix’s Product Manager of AI, stated, “These centers are dedicated to developing localized AI language models that truly understand and serve the diverse linguistic needs of users across the continent.”
Future Plans: Expanding CogLabs Across Africa
Starting from Kenya, Infinix plans to organize a series of CogLabs workshops across various African countries. These workshops will provide primary, secondary, and tertiary students with opportunities to engage in hands-on learning experiences. The integration of 3D printing, robot making, and basic programming knowledge will empower the youth to explore advanced technologies.
Michael Zeng underscored Infinix’s commitment to the project: “We firmly believe that every young mind possesses unlimited potential, and we believe that advanced technologies such as AI will open the doors to a brighter future for all.”
As the event theme “Get in Now: Inspiring Today’s Youth with AI Education” boldly proclaims, the CogLabs initiative aspires to ignite the creativity, imagination, and problem-solving abilities of young people across Africa. Infinix has also pledged to continuously support the development of the CogLabs mobile application and provide Infinix smartphones for student experiences in each workshop, ensuring a seamless and accessible learning journey.
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