RAIL Robotics Initiative Inaugurated at St. Louis Senior High School

The Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab (RAIL) of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) inaugurated the St. Louis Senior High School (SHS) Chapter of the RAIL Robotics Initiative on December 12th, 2024. The event was organised by RAIL’s Women in Technology team to inspire and educate students about artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, focusing on responsible and ethical technology use.

The event began with a meeting between the RAIL team and the school management to discuss the initiative’s objectives and highlight the crucial role of institutional support in promoting technology-driven education.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Ama Kyerewaa Benefo, Headmistress of St. Louis SHS, stated the school’s commitment to STEM education and its impressive record of success in robotics competitions. She commended the RAIL Robotics Club launch, describing it as a formal opportunity for students to engage in hands-on projects, attend workshops, and collaborate on solutions to real-world challenges.

“This initiative will inspire and empower our students to develop critical skills that will impact their lives and the world around them. The club will be where innovation meets inspiration, and every member is motivated to achieve their fullest potential,” Mrs. Benefo stated.

Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Principal Investigator and Scientific Director of RAIL highlighted the transformative role of AI in shaping the future of work.

“The future belongs to those who can navigate the digital space. AI will create new jobs and transform existing ones into new opportunities. To remain relevant, it is essential to build capacity in the digital space and invest extra time in developing coding skills,” Prof. Kponyo advised.

He iterated RAIL’s mission to bridge the digital skills gap and leverage AI to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on health, agriculture, energy, responsible AI, inclusivity, and partnerships. Prof. Kponyo expressed gratitude to the school’s leadership for supporting the launch of the initiative.

Dr. Kwame Oteng Gyasi, RAIL Women in Technology Theme Fellow and Lecturer at the Department of Telecommunications Engineering, introduced students to the fundamentals of AI and ethics. He provided insights into how AI works, its benefits, potential risks, and the importance of using AI responsibly.

“It is crucial to ensure AI is used ethically to prevent misuse. Students must understand the power of AI and use it to solve problems responsibly,” Dr. Gyasi said.

He further inspired students by sharing success stories of African teams excelling in international robotics competitions, encouraging them to dream big and position themselves as future global competitors.

Dr. Mrs. Eunice Akyereko Adjei, RAIL’s Women in Technology Officer, addressed the students on opportunities available at KNUST. She introduced them to various programs offered by the university, highlighting admission requirements and encouraging them to pursue excellence through discipline, hard work, and diligent study.

The session concluded with a task-based challenge, where students identified energy-related issues and proposed AI-driven solutions. The students showcased impressive initial ideas and received constructive feedback from the RAIL team.