NUST, BoN launch high-tech AI lab
AIRA to shape future generations
With the aim of equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, NUST has partnered with the Bank of Namibia to launch a state-of-the-art AI and Robotics Accelerator (AIRA).
Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) vice-chancellor Professor Erold Naomab believes that the state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Accelerator (AIRA) facility, which was introduced in collaboration with the Bank of Namibia (BoN), can contribute to the development of skills in the local workforce and ensure that people remain the focal point in the adoption of new technology.
“Here at NUST, we are convinced that it is possible to unlock new levels of productivity. This while placing people at the centre and involving them in a multi-stakeholder partnership to find solutions that support quality job opportunities, skills and job retention,” he said during the launch of AIRA this week.
The AIRA laboratory includes, among other things, the latest robotics equipment, a 3D printer, as well as a humanoid helper robot named Aira.
“The robot is a critical tool that supports research on human-computer interactions and automation. This laboratory is not just a technological milestone, it represents our commitment to shaping future generations by equipping our students with skills in AI and robotics,” he said.
The modern lab is set to cater to the needs of the newly introduced bachelor of artificial intelligence and bachelor of artificial intelligence honours programmes, spearheaded by the department of computer science in the faculty of computing and informatics.
Training for the future
Responding to global market trends, these programmes will provide specialisations in pioneering fields such as natural language processing, bioinformatics, computer vision, AI in cybersecurity, and robotics.
This follows recent media reports that BoN saved N$6 million through the use of AI and other technological developments.
BoN deputy governor, Leonie Dunn, said at the launch of AIRA that there had been no job losses due to these developments, but that the central bank’s employees can now focus on other tasks as AI handles the monotonous tasks on their behalf.
She added: “The Artificial Intelligence and Robotics laboratory is an accelerator, designed to encourage the active participation of students, faculty and industry professionals in solving real-world challenges.
“This facility will not only serve as a training ground for our future workforce but also as a beacon of inspiration for the nation.”
– [email protected]
“Here at NUST, we are convinced that it is possible to unlock new levels of productivity. This while placing people at the centre and involving them in a multi-stakeholder partnership to find solutions that support quality job opportunities, skills and job retention,” he said during the launch of AIRA this week.
The AIRA laboratory includes, among other things, the latest robotics equipment, a 3D printer, as well as a humanoid helper robot named Aira.
“The robot is a critical tool that supports research on human-computer interactions and automation. This laboratory is not just a technological milestone, it represents our commitment to shaping future generations by equipping our students with skills in AI and robotics,” he said.
The modern lab is set to cater to the needs of the newly introduced bachelor of artificial intelligence and bachelor of artificial intelligence honours programmes, spearheaded by the department of computer science in the faculty of computing and informatics.
Training for the future
Responding to global market trends, these programmes will provide specialisations in pioneering fields such as natural language processing, bioinformatics, computer vision, AI in cybersecurity, and robotics.
This follows recent media reports that BoN saved N$6 million through the use of AI and other technological developments.
BoN deputy governor, Leonie Dunn, said at the launch of AIRA that there had been no job losses due to these developments, but that the central bank’s employees can now focus on other tasks as AI handles the monotonous tasks on their behalf.
She added: “The Artificial Intelligence and Robotics laboratory is an accelerator, designed to encourage the active participation of students, faculty and industry professionals in solving real-world challenges.
“This facility will not only serve as a training ground for our future workforce but also as a beacon of inspiration for the nation.”
– [email protected]
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