By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The Department of Science,
Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has welcomed the launch of the IRIS AI
Humanoid Tutor manufacturing plant and showroom at Dube TradePort in Durban,
describing the initiative as an opportunity to advance education, robotics and
job creation.
Deputy Minister of Science,
Technology and Innovation Dr Nomalungelo Gina welcomed the launch, with her
speech delivered on her behalf by Dr Anitha Ramsuran, Manager for
Transformation and Innovation for Inclusive Development at the Technology
Innovation Agency.
The IRIS AI Humanoid Tutor
was developed by South African entrepreneur and former teacher Thando Gumede
and is designed to support educators and learners through the use of artificial
intelligence and robotics.
The initiative has the
potential to create up to 20,000 jobs over the next five years, according to
the department, while contributing to the development and application of
emerging technologies in the education sector.
IRIS is intended to
complement teachers rather than replace them, with the technology designed to
support teaching and learning and provide additional tools for educators and
students.
The establishment of a local
manufacturing facility also signals an effort to strengthen South Africa's
capacity to develop and produce technology-driven solutions locally, while
creating opportunities across the technology and manufacturing value chains.
The DSTI said the initiative
demonstrates how innovation can be directed towards addressing local challenges
while contributing to economic opportunities for young people.
The launch also coincides
with Women's Month in South Africa, with the department highlighting Gumede's
work as an example of women-led innovation aimed at addressing societal
challenges and creating opportunities for future generations.
