Under the auspices of the Vice Chancellor of the ICT University, Professor Jean Emmanuel Pondi, the sixth edition of The ICT University Africa Digital Forum, was held in the ICT University campus in Messassi Yaounde, on December 15th, 2023. It took place in the presence of Professor Victor Mbarika who is the Founder and President of the Board of Trustees, of The Information and Communication Technology University. Also present were two diplomats; the Japanese Ambassador to Cameroon H.E Takaoka Nozomu and the Cameroonian Ambassador to Japan H.E Pierre Ndzengue. It centered on the theme “The place of robotics in Japanese society today” during which the marvels of robotics was exhibited.
The ICT U Africa Digital Forum, enabled participants mainly students to have profound knowledge on the history, functions and peculiarities of robotics.
After a welcome address by the ICT University administrators, the Japanese Ambassador to Cameroon stood up and enlightened the forum on how robotics could enhance the performance of Cameroon’s economy and industry. He said Japan began using robots since 1968. The two types existing are the industrial robots and the service robots. These robots are programmed to perform tasks 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in healthcare, hospitality and cleaning like serving tea, welcoming guests, provide companionship to the lonely, entertain people, do delivery, automate cars and operate dump trucks amongst others. Videos showing cumbersome human tasks performed by robotics were played as well as fun videos showing robotics interacting cozily with man.
He said the technology of robotics was embraced in Japan because the country began experiencing a higher percentage of the aging population thus the programming of robots to execute tasks has greatly eased human limitations of space, time, frailty and aging. He said robotics could impact Cameroon’s industry and economy because robots when programmed bring about increase in the production chain, less stress and more jobs in the ICT sector.
This was followed by a talk from the Ambassador of Cameroon to Japan on the importance and impact of robotics in Japanese society. The diplomat outlined that, robotics exist to complement human efforts. While underscoring that robots can also decrease physical human labour, he said Cameroon would have to thoroughly do a SWOT analysis if it has to embrace robotics. “Robotics needs a vision. A country should define a vision to introduce robotics. So if Cameroon has to introduce robotics, we need to strategize and move further. I’m ready to support any project in that line. If ICT University University comes out with a project or partnership with Japanese University, I will be more than ready to support” Ambassador Ndengue said concerning the prospects of robotics in Cameroon.
In line with the subject on robotics, the Japanese Ambassador, expressed hope that collaboration would be fruitful for the benefit of students “This conference was great and this is a rare opportunity for me to participate. I very much appreciate everybody involved including the Chancellor Professor Victor Mbarka and the Vice Chancellor Professor Jean Emmanuel Pondi because I had the opportunity to interact with young Cameroonians who are also promising students. I think the reality would come out if you see things from different angles. Also with Ambassador Pierre Ndengue, who just joined us from Japan, we had a synergy. We have a promising future in prospect for Japan – Cameroon cooperation” the Japanese Ambassador said.
Professor Victor Mbarika and Professor Jean Emmanuel Pondi, who were overwhelmed about the technology of robotics expressed the interest to initiate it into the ICT University. They all noted that the ICT University has much to learn from Japan to enrich students who are already into building a satellite for Cameroon. During the sixth edition of the ICT for Africa Digital Forum, students were availed of study opportunities in Japan and networks where they can connect to engage in robotics.
By Mildred Ndum Wung Kum
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