{"id":121271,"date":"2026-03-30T13:27:59","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T13:27:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/a-robot-in-class-redefines-learning-at-mount-kigali"},"modified":"2026-03-30T13:42:05","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T13:42:05","slug":"a-robot-in-class-redefines-learning-at-mount-kigali","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/culture-and-art\/a-robot-in-class-redefines-learning-at-mount-kigali","title":{"rendered":"A Robot in Class Redefines Learning at Mount Kigali"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Mount Kigali University (MKU) is stepping into the future of education with the launch of a humanoid robot, ushering in a transformative shift from theory-heavy teaching to hands-on, technology-driven learning.<\/p>\n

The institution on March 27 unveiled the Unitree G1 EDU U6 robotic humanoid, a move leaders say signals a transition \u201cfrom strategy to action\u201d in delivering innovation-focused education.<\/p>\n

Mount Kigali University unveiled the Unitree G1 EDU U6 robotic humanoid on March 27. Courtesy<\/p>\n

Speaking at the launch, the university founder Prof. Simon Gicharu stressed that universities that fail to embrace technology risk being left behind.<\/p>\n

He drew parallels with companies like Nokia, which lost market dominance after failing to adapt to the smartphone revolution.<\/p>\n

\u201cInstitutions that embrace innovation are the ones that will survive,\u201d he said. \u201cFor us to remain relevant, we must adopt technology and efficiency.\u201d<\/p>\n

The humanoid robot will be used in teaching labs, student projects, research, and industry collaborations across programmes such as artificial intelligence, data science, and engineering.<\/p>\n

Gicharu emphasised that innovation becomes meaningful when students interact with it directly, urging both staff and learners to embrace the new technology.<\/p>\n

MKU Vice Chancellor Dr Martin Kimemia described the robot as more than a symbol, calling it a functional academic tool that will be integrated into teaching, research, and innovation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis marks a new direction for us, moving from theory to hands-on learning,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

According to Kimemia, students will programme, test algorithms, and engage with real-world applications of artificial intelligence and robotics across multiple disciplines.<\/p>\n

The humanoid robot will be used in teaching labs, student projects, research, and industry collaborations across programmes such as artificial intelligence, data science, and engineering. cOURTESY<\/p>\n

University officials say the initiative aligns with Rwanda\u2019s ambition to build a digital economy under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).<\/p>\n

By equipping students with practical skills in artificial intelligence and robotics, the institution aims to nurture innovators capable of creating jobs and solving real-world challenges.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is about building problem-solvers,\u201d Kimemia said.<\/p>\n

Inside the technology<\/p>\n

Nadia Iradukunda, Head of the Information Technology Department at MKU, said the robot represents a major step in strengthening practical learning.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis robot has cameras, sensors, processors, and two rechargeable batteries. One lasts about two hours, then we replace it,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

She noted that the university has already trained the robot in basic functions such as walking, speech recognition, and handshaking, with plans to expand its capabilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is just the beginning. We will continue training it and adding more features. Next time you come, you might find it welcoming you at the university,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The launch aims at ushering in a transformative shift from theory-heavy teaching to hands-on, technology-driven learning.<\/p>\n

Iradukunda added that the real value lies in bridging the gap between theory and practice.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you teach coding like C , students may not fully see how it translates into real-world action. But when they programme a robot and see it perform tasks, that is a big advantage,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She stressed that as technology evolves, universities must keep pace.<\/p>\n

\u201cThings that were done by humans are now being done by robots. We should not be left behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Boosting practical learning<\/p>\n

Erick Nyasani, a lecturer in the IT department, said the robot will help transform teaching by allowing students to implement what they learn in real time.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn many cases, learning is theoretical, but now students will see the results of their code physically,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Mount Kigali University officials cut a cake during the launch of the Unitree G1 EDU U6 robotic humanoid on March 27. Courtesy<\/p>\n

The integration of robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence is expected to significantly improve practical learning outcomes.<\/p>\n

Students say the introduction of the robot could change how they learn and solve problems.<\/p>\n

Evan Nshuti Karangwa, described the robot as a \u201cco-pilot\u201d that will help bring ideas closer to reality.<\/p>\n

\u201cBefore, some projects felt far away. Now the future is here, we can build bigger AI and IoT solutions and actually test them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Karangwa added that the robot could help develop solutions tailored to Rwanda\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it learns from our environment, it can help solve problems specific to Rwanda,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n

The humanoid robot will be used in teaching labs, student projects, research, and industry collaborations across programmes such as artificial intelligence, data science, and engineering.<\/p>\n

University leaders believe the move will position Mount Kigali University as a growing hub for emerging technologies in the region.<\/p>\n\r\n