RAIL Robotics Club Initiative Trains the Youth in Robotics and the Responsible Use of AI

The Responsible AI Lab (RAIL) under the College of Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) commissioned the Atebubu and New Konkrompe Senior High School (SHS) Chapters of the RAIL Robotics Club Initiative on Friday, 13^th October 2023, at Atebubu SHS.

The Omanhene of Atebubu Traditional Area, Ohempon Yeboah Asiamah, graced the occasion. He expressed his excitement and said the introduction of the RAIL Robotics Club in Atebubu SHS plugs directly into his vision for digital education and transformation in the town. 

“The wealth gap between developed and undeveloped nations is a technology gap, and we need investments in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to bridge this gap.” He commended RAIL and its collaborators for the Robotics Club initiative in Atebubu and pledged his support.

Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, PI and Scientific Director, RAIL, gave an overview of the RAIL project and said RAIL seeks to be a first step in establishing a sustainable approach to nurturing local talent with a focus on women in technology in the responsible use of AI. He said the lab engages in four key thematic areas: AI in Health, AI in Agriculture Innovation and Food Security, AI in Energy, and AI’s Ethical Use.

“We offer hands-on training, seminars and workshops on the responsible use of AI and robotics.  Through partnerships with global organisations like Amazon Global Robotics, we prepare the youth to use technology to solve real and practical problems,” he asserted.

The RAIL Robotics Club has been inaugurated in Dormaa SHS, KNUST SHS, Ayeduase Roman Catholic JHS, Good Shepherd School, Atebubu, and New Konkrompe SHS.

Dr. Dr. Christopher Seth Appiah, RAIL’s Ethics Thematic Lead, introduced participants to the responsible application of artificial intelligence (AI). He explained what AI is about, how it works, the benefits and potential threats, and the importance of using AI responsibly.

Through the Women in Technology Officer, Dr Mrs Eunice Akyereko Adjei, RAIL seized the opportunity to expose the students to the various programmes offered by KNUST and the admission requirements. She encouraged the students to be disciplined, study diligently and strive to be the best through hard work. 

The RAIL Robotics Club in Atebubu and New Konkrompe SHS was officially inaugurated by the Lab Manager, Ing. Andrew Selasi Agbemenu.

An overview of robotics and a hands-on session on Python programming was held for the trainers. The training of the trainers’ session was led by the Programmes Coordinator, Ing. Dr. Henry Nunoo-Mensah, and a Research Assistant, Musah Ibrahim Ali.

The RAIL team toured the New Konkrompe SHS ICT laboratory and discussed how to enhance its state.