Engineers seek incentive-based technology

Experts have called for government support for technology centres through policies and subsidies, such as tax breaks.

The Motion Planning lead for Oxbotica, Dr. Chinemelu Ezeh, led the call during a virtual lecture on ‘Robotics-a Future of Society and Work,’ organised by the Nigeria Academy of Engineers (NAE) in Lagos.

He said technology innovations have become necessary, hence Nigeria needs to play a major role in an increasing technology intensive-world.

Ezeh said the technology would disrupt the future of work as 45 per cent of all tasks performed by people can be automated with existing tech, adding that 25 per cent of all tasks would be automated by robotics by 2025.

Robots have become increasingly useful in manufacturing, assembly and packing, transport, weaponry, laboratory research, mass production of consumer and industrial goods.

Dr. Ezeh is the developer of a novel device for sharing control between a wheelchair user and a smart wheelchair.

Earlier, NAE President, Alex Ogedengbe, said the topic is futuristic as the use of robots has taken hold internationally.

This is an opportunity for experts in Nigeria to expand their knowledge and familiarise themselves with what is going on in the area. Indigenous engineers don’t have to go far to get the knowledge, which makes it compelling. We are all part of the international community.”