Stakeholders are optimistic about the role artificial intelligence (AI) can play in advancing Nigeria’s robotics industry, a sector projected to reach $288.60 million in revenue by 2024, according to Statista. This market is set to grow to $617.10 million by 2029, driven largely by service robotics. While this growth pales in comparison to the $9.42 billion expected in the United States in 2024, experts believe AI could significantly narrow this gap and position Nigeria as a key player in the global robotics industry.
AI’s Impact on Robotics and the Economy
AI is increasingly viewed as the future of robotics, with potential applications across various sectors. Nathan Nwachuku, Chairman of Terrahaptix, a leading robotics and drone technology company, noted, “AI is the future of robotics, and we intend to be at the forefront of this industry revolution.” The integration of AI into robotics will not only enhance automation but also increase the efficiency and capability of robotic systems in Nigeria.
Adesina Sodiya, a Professor of Computer Science and Information Security, highlighted the transformative potential of AI and robotics across key sectors such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing. He emphasized that AI-driven robotics could significantly improve service delivery, reduce operational costs, and create new economic opportunities.
Challenges: A Shortage of AI and Robotics Experts
Despite the promising outlook, Nigeria’s robotics industry faces significant challenges, particularly a shortage of qualified experts. Professor Sodiya noted that as of 2023, only 3% of Nigerian professionals are trained in AI and robotics, limiting the industry’s growth. This skills gap needs to be addressed for the country to fully capitalize on the emerging opportunities in AI and robotics.
Terrahaptix Leads the Charge with Automation Technology Expo
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In a bid to close this skills gap and further advance the sector, Terrahaptix is hosting its first automation technology expo. The event will serve as a platform for experts to showcase their progress in AI and drone technology, a rapidly growing segment of the robotics industry. Terrahaptix, which has already processed over $1 million in drone sentry orders, plans to announce new products aimed at revolutionizing the farming and logistics sectors in Nigeria.
The expo will bring together key stakeholders, including industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts, to discuss the latest advancements in AI, robotics, and automation technology. Nwachuku expressed excitement about the event, stating, “These products represent years of research and field testing. We are thrilled to bring together automation industry leaders to showcase the latest innovations.”
AI and Robotics: A Catalyst for Economic Growth
With the right investments in education, research, and infrastructure, AI could be the catalyst that propels Nigeria’s robotics industry to new heights. Experts believe that integrating AI into robotics will unlock new possibilities for automation and efficiency, driving significant improvements across various sectors. As Nigeria positions itself as a leader in the robotics industry, the country’s economic and social landscape stands to benefit significantly from these advancements.