A groundbreaking achievement was made by an Igbo man in 2022 with the creation of Africa’s first human-like robot, ‘Omeife.’ Developed to drive advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), this innovation is expected to foster research and development across Africa.
The Unveiling of Omeife
The Nigerian Government officially launched Omeife in Abuja in 2023 to promote AI and technological development. The robot was unveiled by the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, who represented the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami. Speaking on behalf of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the project’s success and urged stakeholders to support the initiative.
Features of Omeife
Standing six feet tall, Omeife was developed by the Uniccon Group, led by Chucks Ekwueme. The robot boasts advanced AI capabilities, including real-time awareness of its environment, active listening, and the ability to focus on specific conversation threads. Ekwueme explained that Omeife speaks five Nigerian languages, along with English, French, Arabic, Kiswahili, and Afrikaans, with each language spoken in native accents, using appropriate pitch, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Emphasizing African Values
What sets Omeife apart is its integration of African cultural values, particularly politeness in social interactions. The robot filters out impolite words and phrases, ensuring that conversations are respectful and appropriate for all ages, including children.
A Step Towards the Future
Ekwueme shared that Omeife’s intelligence is constantly evolving. It can learn from new conversations, recall past discussions, and adapt to its environment. The robot is also equipped with terrain awareness and grip sensors, allowing it to navigate different surfaces and interact with objects safely.
Omeife represents a significant step forward in Africa’s technological landscape, setting the stage for further AI advancements across the continent.
