Gone are the days when the role of assistive devices in human life was pure fiction and tales. Today, the fast-evolving field of robotics has become an integral part of human life.

As the African continent accelerates its push toward industrialization, it is crucial to recognize that efficient, productive, and cost-effective work strategies—especially in key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, education, and healthcare—will increasingly rely on automated systems and intelligent devices.

A TechJury publication dated July 28, 2020, reports that 88% of businesses worldwide plan to integrate robotic automation into their operations, with robotics already employing approximately 150,000 people in engineering and assembly roles. In 2024 alone, over 542,000 industrial robots were installed worldwide, pushing the total number of robots in factories to 4.66 million, according to the International Federation of Robotics. 

For Africa, meaningful progress in robotics will depend on cultivating local expertise—professionals who understand the continent’s unique challenges and can develop robotics solutions suited to its environment. These homegrown experts will be essential in designing and deploying robots capable of performing high-risk, complex, and mission-critical tasks.