Advancing STEM Education in Kenya: The Robotics Society of Kenya Calls for the Establishment of Robotics Clubs in Schools and Institutions

53 min readJul 9, 2023

By Fred Sagwe Co-founder & CEO Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK)

“The development of AI is as fundamental as the creation of the microprocessor, the personal computer, the Internet, and the mobile phone,” he wrote. ”It will change the way people work, learn, travel, get health care, and communicate with each other.”
Bill Gate — Co-founder of Microsoft and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Parents and teachers want students to develop problem-solving alongside digital skills ,so they will be better prepared for future jobs .

Every child in every classroom ,every teacher in every school, and every person in every community is affected by technology ,and ,and the roots of technology were founded upon the work of innovative computer scientists, it develops skills including logical thinking , creativity and resilience .

Practical computer science skills can help students learn and create ,and bring more relevancy to nearly any subject from history to literature to current events.

Microsoft, KidsComp, and AISEC JKUAT collaborated to teach 5,000 Kenyan kids basic coding skills in 2015. Image source: cooltech.blogspot.com

In today’s world,the ability to code continues to grow in importance.Coding is no longer the sole domain of computer scientists and programmers,but rather a useful skill to have in any career.

Coding isn’t just for computer science students only.Coding is at the heart of today’s digital world.Hence it is essential that kids are introduced to logic and programming languages at an early age!

Computers are very powerful tools ,but unfortunately they can’t think for themselves .Need to be told what to do…Coding goes beyond websites and software . It’s an essential component in finding solutions to everyday problems.

“We want every kid in the world to be excited about the many possibilities coding can unlock-for themselves,for their communities and for society.Everyone should have the opportunity to learn computer science at school and beyond.”

Sundar Pichai — CEO of Alphabet and Google #getkidscodingke

Photo credit: Tabaka Boys’ High School Google CS First Club / A Beneficially of The Google Sponsored Africa Code Week 2017

Computer Science

Computer science is the study of computers and computational systems. It is a broad discipline that encompasses theoretical aspects such as algorithms and data structures, as well as practical aspects such as software engineering and programming languages.

Computer scientists design, analyze, and implement software and hardware systems. They also study the theory of computation, which is the mathematical foundation of

Computer science is a rapidly growing field, with new and exciting developments happening all the time. Some of the most important areas of computer science today include:

Artificial intelligence
Machine learning
Natural language processing
Data science
Cybersecurity
Cloud computing
Blockchain

Computer science is a versatile discipline that can be applied to a wide range of industries. Some of the most common job titles for computer scientists include:

Software engineer
Data scientist
Machine learning engineer
Security engineer
Cloud architect
Blockchain engineer

Computer scientists are in high demand in the job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer and information scientists is projected to grow 13% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

If you are interested in a career in computer science, there are a few things you can do to prepare. First, you should take computer science courses in high school and college. You should also learn to code and develop your problem-solving skills.

Computer science is a challenging but rewarding field. If you are interested in learning more about computers and how they work, computer science may be the perfect field for you.

Here are some ways that AI can be used to improve computer science education:

Create engaging exam questions: AI can be used to create exam questions that are more engaging and challenging for students. For example, AI can be used to generate questions that are personalized to each student’s level of understanding, or that require students to apply their knowledge in creative ways.
Provide feedback on student code: AI can be used to provide feedback on student code, helping students to identify and correct errors. AI can also be used to generate suggestions for improving student code, or to compare student code to examples of good code.
Develop rubrics: AI can be used to develop rubrics for grading student work. This can help to ensure that grading is consistent and fair, and that students receive feedback that is tailored to their specific needs.
Empower teachers and educators: AI can empower teachers and educators with invaluable insights and strategies in teaching computer science. For example, AI can be used to track student progress, identify areas where students need additional help, and provide personalized learning recommendations. AI can also be used to develop new teaching materials and resources, or to create virtual classrooms where students can learn from experts around the world.

Here are some specific examples of AI-powered tools that are already being used in computer science education:

CodeGrade: CodeGrade is an AI-powered tool that provides feedback on student code. CodeGrade can identify errors in student code, suggest improvements, and compare student code to examples of good code.
CodingBat: CodingBat is an AI-powered platform that provides practice problems for computer science students. CodingBat problems are automatically graded by AI, and students can receive personalized feedback on their work.
Repl.it: Repl.it is an AI-powered IDE that allows students to code in a variety of languages. Repl.it can provide students with real-time feedback on their code, and it can also track student progress and identify areas where students need additional help.
Scratch: Scratch is an AI-powered visual programming language that is designed for children. Scratch can help children to learn the basics of coding in a fun and engaging way.

These are just a few examples of the many ways that AI is being used to improve computer science education. As AI continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and effective AI-powered tools that can help students to learn computer science.

Python

Python is one of the most widely used, and is one of the most preferred programming languages, known for its simplicity and easy-to-read syntax with a variety of frameworks and a strong ecosystem.

It was made with server-side web development, software development, testing, scripting, and artificial intelligence in mind.A quick, effective, and single programming language that is highly advised for those who are new to programming.More people than ever are learning Python as a language.

Computers excel at crunching numbers but not at the kinds of things many people do with ease:language processing ,visual perception,manipulating objects,reasoning,planning,and learning.Artificial Intelligence (AI),including is offshoots of deep learning and machine learning,uses computers to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.

According to Yahoo,the United Nations is aware that AI technology is racing ahead of the capacity to get its boundaries and directions,and so it has brought together some of the best minds on the topic whether human or man-made.

The robots gathered in the UN AI summit in Geneva came in many forms: dogs, farm machinery, but also exceptionally realistic avatars, singers, artists and nursing home workers.In the world’s first human-robot press conference,nine humanoid bots took questions alongside their creators from journalists,according to Reuters (url), where organizers are seeking to make the case for artificial intelligence and robots it is powering to help resolve some of the world’s biggest challenges such as disease and hunger.

The “AI for Good Global Summit”,in Geneva on 6th — 7th of July,2023,was convened by the UN’s ITU tech agency.The summit brought together round 3,000 experts from companies like Microsoft and Amazon as well as from universities,and international organizations to try to sculpt frameworks for ensuring AI is used for positive purpose.

According to Fobes,two fields that are rapidly evolving, advancing and holding infinite promise for the future of humanity are robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). From the simplest of tasks to the most complex and demanding in our everyday lives, advances in robotics and AI have made it possible to create machines that can perform tasks with incredible speed and accuracy.

Robots and AI complement humans, helping us get more done at a faster rate with more accuracy than we can on our own. Advances in AI have allowed us to create computer systems that can learn and adapt over time. Alexa, Siri,Google Assistant and other similar tools have all become a big part of how we interact with machines and AI in our daily activities.

Robotics is an aspect of computer science and engineering in which machines are built and programmed to perform tasks without human interference.

According to FutureSkills Prime,Artificial intelligence focuses on designing sophisticated computer programs and applications that can perform a wide range of tasks that usually require human intelligence. AI and machine learning algorithms can learn and perceive from experience, solve complex problems, understand natural human languages, and perform logical reasoning tasks. On the other hand, robotics technology involves physical robots that are programmed to perform diverse actions/tasks, either autonomously or semi-autonomously.

Thus, the most significant difference between AI and robotics is that the former is all about programming intelligence, whereas the latter involves building physical robots that can function intelligently.

While robotics and artificial intelligence can exist independently, scientists are increasingly focused on combining the two because of the inherent potential the combination holds. A Venn diagram of artificial intelligence and robotics gives us an artificially intelligent robot. What sets such a robot apart from others is the level of autonomy at which it operates. Artificially intelligent robots are the link between AI and robotics — they are manipulated by AI programs and are designed to optimise tasks.

Artificially intelligent robots are the bridge between robotics and AI. These are robots that are controlled by AI programs.

Most robots are not artificially intelligent. Up until quite recently, all industrial robots could only be programmed to carry out a repetitive series of movements which, as we have discussed, do not require artificial intelligence. However, non-intelligent robots are quite limited in their functionality.

AI algorithms are necessary when you want to allow the robot to perform more complex tasks.

AI and robotics are rapidly growing fields, and they are having a major impact on our world. As AI technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and groundbreaking applications of AI in the years to come.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to address some of the biggest challenges in education today and innovate teaching and learning practices and accelerate progress towards Quality Education (SDG 4).

Regarding the education sector,AI is useful to provide personalized learning experiences,automate grading and optimize curriculum.

The ChatGPT model developed by OpenAI has the potential to be utilized as a tool to assist students in conducting research by producing relevant material and sources on a particular topic.

The uses of OpenAI ChatGPT in education can include the provision of tailored learning experiences for students, assisting them in remaining interested and motivated to continue studying. They can also help teachers manage their classes and provide extra support to students who require it.

There are several AI technologies waiting in the wings of next-level ChatGPT, including humanoid robots, AI lawyers, and AI-driven science.

Overall, AI has the potential to revolutionize computer science education. By automating tasks that are currently time-consuming and labor-intensive, AI can free up teachers and educators to focus on more important aspects of teaching, such as providing individualized instruction and supporting student learning. AI can also help to make computer science education more engaging and accessible to students of all backgrounds.

According to the American Psychological Association,rather than weaken student effort,artificial intelligence can help prepare students for the real world by encouraging critical thinking.Some educators, however, see ChatGPT as an opportunity rather than a threat. In an LA Times op-ed published in early 2023, psychologist Angela Duckworth, PhD, argues against banning the bot, explaining that it and similar technologies are here to stay — and that instructors should learn how to incorporate it into curricula (Los Angeles Times, January 19, 2023).

Robotics has the potential to revolutionize many industries and improve our lives in many ways. As the technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more amazing and innovative applications of robotics in the years to come.

It is great to see that the Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) is taking steps to promote coding and computer science education in Kenya. The new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is a welcome move, as it will help to ensure that all Kenyan students have the opportunity to learn about these important subjects.

Of course, there are also some potential challenges associated with using AI in education, such as:

Bias: AI algorithms can be biased if they are trained on data that is biased. This can lead to unfair or inaccurate results.
Privacy: AI-powered tools can collect a lot of data about students. This data must be used carefully and securely to protect students’ privacy.
Cost: AI-powered tools can be expensive to develop and implement. This can make them inaccessible to some schools and students.

Overall, the potential benefits of using AI in education outweigh the potential challenges. AI has the potential to revolutionize education by making it more personalized, engaging, and accessible. As AI continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and effective AI-powered tools that can help students learn and grow.

Kenya is the first African country to introduce coding as a subject in both primary and secondary schools. The government announced this initiative in August 2022, and the coding curriculum was launched in September 2022.

The goal of this initiative is to redefine education through tech employment. Kenya plans to empower Gen Zers and future generations through tech-focused employment programs. By teaching coding at a young age, the government hopes to give students the skills they need to succeed in the digital economy.

The coding curriculum is designed to be accessible to all students, regardless of their background or prior experience. It is broken down into three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The beginner level focuses on the basics of coding, such as variables, loops, and functions. The intermediate level covers more complex concepts, such as object-oriented programming and data structures. The advanced level is for students who want to pursue a career in computer science.

The curriculum for public schools and syllabus, which was approved by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and created in partnership with Kodris Africa,is under the National Digital Master Plan for 2022–2032.

The Government of Kenya has placed emphasis and resources towards the support and promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses in all Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK)

Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) is a non-profit organization that supports, advocates, and promotes makerspace, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), STEAM,chess,research and Internet of Things (IoT) activities and projects in our schools and institutions. We believe that these technologies are essential for preparing our students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Future of Work.

One of the ways that we can achieve this goal is by establishing robotics clubs in our schools. These clubs would provide students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, AI, and other STEM subjects in a fun and engaging way. They would also be able to work on real-world projects that would help them to develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

We believe that the Raspberry Pi Pico is the perfect platform for establishing robotics clubs in our schools. It is a low-cost, high-performance microcontroller that is easy to use and program. It is also manufactured in Kenya by Gearbox Europlacer, which means that it is readily available and affordable for our schools.

The Society’s plan to communicate and collaborate with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to establish robotics clubs in schools is also a great idea. Robotics is a fun and engaging way to learn about STEM subjects, and it can help to inspire students to pursue careers in these fields.

The Society’s goal of introducing AI and robotics learning to school-going children early in their learning life is also commendable. The earlier children are exposed to these subjects, the more likely they are to be interested in them and to develop the skills they need to succeed in these fields.

The Society’s work is important, as Kenya needs to prepare its workforce for the future of work, which is increasingly being shaped by technology. By promoting coding and computer science education, the Society is helping to ensure that Kenya has a skilled workforce that can compete in the global economy.

Code Club Kenya

In 2015–19, Code Club Kenya and the Robotics Society of Kenya volunteered with Kids Comp Camp and Raspberry Pi Foundation to establish an ICT Lab with Raspberry Pi model 2 computers at Kabuku Primary School, a small government school about two hours north of Nairobi. The lab was equipped with 10 Raspberry Pi computers, 10 monitors, and 10 keyboards and mice. The volunteers also taught the students how to use the computers and how to code in Scratch.

The volunteers also contributed to translating Scratch programming language to Swahili. Scratch is a visual programming language that is designed to be easy for kids to learn. The translation of Scratch into Swahili will make it more accessible to kids in Kenya who speak Swahili as their first language.

The volunteers also participated in the Scratch Africa Conference 2019. The conference was held in Nairobi and it brought together Scratch enthusiasts from all over Africa. The volunteers presented their work on the ICT Lab at Kabuku Primary School and they also participated in workshops and other activities.

The work of Code Club Kenya, the Robotics Society of Kenya, and Kids Comp Camp is helping to improve access to digital education in Kenya. They are providing kids with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital age. They are also helping to promote STEM education in Kenya, which is essential for the country’s future development.

A Raspberry Pi computer lab for learners in Kenya

The Robotics Society of Kenya is committed to promoting STEM education in the country, and we believe that access to technology is a crucial component of this effort. Our aim is to provide students in underprivileged areas with access to modern technology that can help improve their learning outcomes.

To enable students to access modern technology such as computers, robots, and artificial intelligence (AI), the subject matter and proposal to construct the solar-powered ICT lab.This move shall not only provide cost savings on electricity and power, but it also aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Specifically, the objectives of the project are in line with Goal 7, which aims to promote clean energy, and Goal 13, which advocates for combatting change.

A project proposal to make computing accessible to school learners in Kenya, where most schools have no computers at all and may lack electricity. With the aim of creating a facility that can be reproduced all over Kenya, and powered by solar energy where main electricity isn’t available.

We aim to build a low-cost, energy efficient Raspberry Pi Computer ICT Lab for at least every school in Kenya. The most important feature of the design is scalability, meaning anyone can build the same computer lab for the same cost, using a standard model. Solar power is a sustainable energy solution for the schools, and helps give Kenyan children a brighter future by bringing computers to rural schools.

The Raspberry Pi computer is a highly adaptable and affordable device that can be purchased for around $35 USD (Ksh.3, 500), making it an excellent choice for a variety of educational applications. The proposed computer lab is set to be utilized for teaching students a range of STEM-related subjects, such as coding,programming,robotics,Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and chess.Additionally,the computer lab will also serve as a venue for the school’s robotic club.

Pico is also an easy to use microcontroller ,and packs impressive power, and is available for as little as $4 USD (Ksh.600) — opening a whole new world of computing possibilities. Over a million orders were placed in the first month alone and it has since become the go-to controller for many hobbyists.

The proposed computer lab will be constructed using a shipping container, which will be modified to include solar panels, air conditioning, and a backup generator to ensure that lab is fully operational even during power outages.

This project has the potential to be replicated in all schools in Kenya. The use of shipping containers is a sustainable and cost-effective way to build computer labs. The solar panels will provide clean energy, and the air conditioning will make the lab comfortable for students to use. The backup generator will ensure that the lab can continue to operate even during power outages.

This project supports the United Nations Global Goals by providing access to education and technology for all students. It also supports the goal of sustainable development by using sustainable materials and energy sources.

Benefits of Using Shipping Containers

Sustainable: Shipping containers are made from recycled materials, which makes them a sustainable choice for construction.
Cost-effective: Shipping containers are relatively inexpensive to purchase and modify.
Durable: Shipping containers are made to withstand the rigors of international shipping, so they are built to last.
Portable: Shipping containers can be easily transported and assembled, making them a good choice for projects that require a temporary or mobile facility.

The proposed computer lab is a sustainable and cost-effective way to provide access to education and technology for all students in Kenya.The use of shipping containers supports the United Nations Global Goals by promoting sustainable development and education for all.

The RSK,started a mobile and online fundraising M Changa to actuarise on the project.

Project to Build The First Raspberry Pi Chess Playing Robot In Kenya:

According to the Raspberry Pi Foundation Computers and chess have been a potent combination ever since the appearance of the first chess-playing computers in the 1970S.

Humans have been playing chess for over 1,400 years. Chess is among the most popular games with cultural and intellectual significance that few other activities can match. Undoubtedly the game involves an intense intellectual challenge to elevate the health of your mind. However, we count chess among the games associated with intelligence and brain sharpening, and improve problem-solving skills.

Chess is still one of the most basic and exciting smartphone games. The game does not require a high-end smartphone because it can run on almost any smartphone without taking up too much space.

The RSK,started a mobile and online fundraising M Changa to actuarise on the project.

Raspberry Turk Chess Playing Robot

The Raspberry Turk is a robot that can play chess.It is completely open source.The project is written almost entirely in Python ,runs on a Raspberry Pi,and incorporates aspects of computer vision,data science, machine learning,robotics,3D printing,and of course chess.

The robot uses Raspberry Pi model 3 to drive the Raspberry Turk, while Raspberry Pi Camera Module handles computer vision.

Project Goal: To build the first Raspberry Pi chess playing robot in Kenya.
Project Objectives:
To demonstrate the capabilities of Raspberry Pi and other open source technologies.
To promote STEM education and innovation in Kenya.
To inspire and motivate students and young people to pursue careers in STEM.
Project Activities:
Design and build the robot.
Program the robot to play chess.
Test the robot and make improvements.
Demonstrate the robot to the public.
Project Timeline:
The project will be launched in January 2024.
The robot will be built and programmed in November/December 2024.
The robot will be tested and demonstrated inNovember/December 2024.
Project Impact:
The project is expected to have a significant impact on STEM education and innovation in Kenya. The project will:
Demonstrate the capabilities of Raspberry Pi and other open source technologies.
Promote STEM education and innovation in Kenya.
Inspire and motivate students and young people to pursue careers in STEM.

The Raspberry Turk Chess Playing Robot is a valuable initiative that will help to promote STEM education and innovation in Kenya. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of students and young people, and it will help to create a more skilled and innovative workforce for the future.

The project is being led by the Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK), which is a non-profit organization that promotes STEM education and innovation in Kenya. The RSK has started a mobile and online fundraising M Changa to actuarise on the project. If you are interested in supporting the project, you can donate through the RSK website or through the M Changa platform.

Raspberry Pi Jam in 2020

Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) organized a Kenyan-based Raspberry Pi Jam in 2020. The Jam was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The theme of the Jam was “Robots Antenna” and participants learned how to use Raspberry Pi 3 microcontrollers and Scratch programming language to construct and build a robot that could mimic the operations of traffic lights.

The Jam was a great success and it helped to promote STEM education and innovation in Kenya. It also inspired and motivated young people to pursue careers in STEM.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the Jam:

Raspberry Pi is a powerful tool that can be used to learn about STEM concepts and to build innovative projects.
Scratch is a visual programming language that makes it easy for kids to learn how to code.
Robots can be used to solve real-world problems.
STEM education is important for the future of Kenya.

The RSK is planning to organize more Raspberry Pi Jams in the future.

ChesSDGs Walk 2021 Photo source: @fsagwe/Instagram

Chess coach walks from Nairobi to Nakuru to grow chess profile

Fred Sagwe, a development instructor for Chess Kenya, took on the challenge of walking 165 kilometers (102 miles) from Nairobi to Nakuru in Kenya. This initiative was aimed at advocating for the adoption of chess in education and promoting the game’s benefits for personal development and raising awareness about its benefits as an educational tool.

The Chess Kenya Federation and the Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) partnered with Sagwe to support his endeavor. By collaborating with these organizations, Sagwe was able to raise the profile of chess in the country and highlight its potential impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As a teacher himself, Sagwe understands the educational value of chess. The game not only enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills but also promotes strategic planning and concentration. By walking such a long distance, Sagwe aimed to bring attention to these benefits and encourage the integration of chess into educational curricula.

Sagwe’s six-day walk was a physical feat that symbolized his dedication and commitment to promoting chess. It garnered attention from chess enthusiasts, educators, and the general public, helping to create awareness about the game’s potential as a tool for personal and educational development.

Overall, Sagwe’s initiative demonstrated the power of personal commitment and collaboration in advocating for positive change. By undertaking this challenging journey, he successfully raised the profile of chess in Kenya and sparked conversations about its role in achieving the SDGs and improving education.

Fred Sagwe’s advocacy and trek have had a significant impact on raising awareness about chess in Kenya. The fact that chess is now being debated in the Kenyan Parliament for inclusion in the curriculum is a remarkable achievement.

*Chess players during the Kenya National Youth and Cadet Chess Kisii Regional Championship at Cardinal Otunga High School, Mosocho. Image:* *ANGWENYI GICHANA*

The support from teachers, curriculum developers, and the education ministry demonstrates a recognition of the educational value and benefits that chess can offer to students. By prioritizing chess games in the curriculum, Kenyan students will have the opportunity to develop important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, strategic planning, and concentration.

The inclusion of chess in the Competency-Based Curriculum, as highlighted by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) CEO Charles Ongondo, shows a commitment to providing a well-rounded education that nurtures various competencies and abilities in students.

This development signifies a positive step forward in incorporating chess as an educational tool in Kenya. By integrating chess into the curriculum, students will not only enjoy the game but also acquire valuable skills that can benefit them in various aspects of life.

Fred Sagwe’s efforts and the support he received from various stakeholders have played a significant role in pushing for this change. It’s a testament to the power of advocacy and the impact that one individual can make in promoting positive educational reforms.

Project to Build LEGO Chessboard for Kids EDU Project-Kenya:

The Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) is projecting to avail the LEGO’ 40174 Iconic Chess Set LEGO Speed Build chessboard (https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/lego iconic-chess-set-40174 ),to promote creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving. Which are essential 21st Century and future of work soft skills.

Through imparting chess education and research experiences.

Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) started a mobile and online fundraising Africa M Changa.

Project to Build LEGO Chessboard for Kids EDU Project-Kenya

The project is ongoing and the rationale is well captured in this Robotics Society of Kenya, Medium blog.

the project to build a LEGO chess board for kids in Kenya:

The project is being led by the Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK).
The goal of the project is to promote creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in kids.
The project will use the LEGO’ 40174 Iconic Chess Set LEGO Speed Build chessboard.
The project will also provide chess education and research experiences for kids.
The project is currently ongoing and is being funded through a mobile and online fundraising campaign called Africa M Changa.
You can learn more about the project and donate to the fundraising campaign on the RSK Medium blog.

Photo credit: Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK)

Here are some of the benefits of the project:

Kids will learn how to build and use LEGOs, which can help them develop their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Kids will learn how to play chess, which can help them develop their critical thinking and strategic planning skills.
Kids will have the opportunity to participate in chess education and research experiences, which can help them develop their knowledge and understanding of chess.
The project will provide kids with a fun and engaging way to learn about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) concepts.
The project will help to promote STEM education in Kenya, which is essential for the country’s future development.

Call for Professional Development Training

The Code Club Kenya (Raspberry Pi Foundation),the Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK),partners and other stakeholders are calling for a proposal and expressions of interest from teachers, Educators, volunteers, mentors and leaders to participate in a professional development training on the fundamentals of creating and applications of the Raspberry Pi family of microcontrollers.

The proposed training will be held over a period of two weeks and will cover the following topics:

Introduction to the Raspberry Pi
Programming the Raspberry Pi
Using the Raspberry Pi for physical computing
Creating projects with the Raspberry Pi
Using the Raspberry Pi for teaching and learning

The training will be led by experienced Raspberry Pi trainers and will make use of the open source and free library of resources from the Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Robotics Society of Kenya Hackaday (RSK Hackaday)

A project proposal to create a local tech community of volunteers, mentors,leaders,Educators,champions and enthusiasts of Raspberry Pi family of microcontrollers, and use a library of free resources from the Raspberry Pi Foundation.

A date and day to be ideally established in the month of March/April, every year.And,to have as many schools and institutions celebrating this event in the year 2023 and beyond. Via virtual, remote or face-to-face sessions for schools or institutions, which have established a robotics club. Are proactive in projects undertakings and at least own a Raspberry Pi computer or Pico families of microcontrollers.

The project goal is to create a local tech community of volunteers, mentors, leaders, educators, champions, and enthusiasts of Raspberry Pi family of microcontrollers, and use a library of free resources from the Raspberry Pi Foundation to promote STEM education and innovation in Kenya.

Project Objectives:

To create a platform for sharing knowledge and resources about Raspberry Pi and other microcontrollers.
To provide opportunities for collaboration on projects and to learn from each other.
To inspire and motivate students and young people to pursue careers in STEM.
To promote STEM education and innovation in Kenya.

The project is sustainable because it will be led by a team of volunteers who are passionate about STEM education and innovation. The project will also be supported by a network of partners, including schools, organizations, and businesses.

The RSK Hackaday project is a valuable initiative that will help to promote STEM education and innovation in Kenya. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of students and young people, and it will help to create a more skilled and innovative workforce for the future.

Climbing Mount Kenya Expedition

Project Goal: To scale and climb Mount Kenya between the month of September / November, 2023 to highlight and create awareness on the mission and vision of the society and support all the Raspberry Pi themed projects ranging from: robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), physical computing, LEGO, STEAM, chess education and research experiences.

Project Objectives:

To raise awareness of the Robotics Society of Kenya and its mission and vision.
To promote STEM education and innovation in Kenya.
To support Raspberry Pi themed projects.
To inspire and motivate students and young people to pursue careers in STEM.
To promote physical fitness and healthy living.

Project Impact:

The project is expected to have a significant impact on STEM education and innovation in Kenya. The project will:

Raise awareness of the Robotics Society of Kenya and its mission and vision.
Promote STEM education and innovation in Kenya.
Support Raspberry Pi themed projects.
Inspire and motivate students and young people to pursue careers in STEM.
Promote physical fitness and healthy living.

The Climbing Mount Kenya Expedition is a valuable initiative that will help to promote STEM education and innovation in Kenya. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of students and young people, and it will help to create a more skilled and innovative workforce for the future.

I am glad that the Society has been recognized for its work. The Daily Nation-Kenya newspaper article is a positive step, as it will help to raise awareness of the Society’s work and the importance of coding and computer science education in Kenya.

The Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) is affiliated to the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA). This affiliation allows RSK to access CSTA’s resources and services, such as professional development opportunities, standards-aligned curriculum and assessments, and research and advocacy on behalf of computer science education.This enables the RSK to also connect with other computer science organizations around the world.

The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) is a professional association whose mission is to “empower, engage and advocate for K-12 CS teachers worldwide.” It supports and encourages education in the field of computer science and related areas.

Some of the benefits that RSK has gained from its affiliation with CSTA:

Access to professional development opportunities: RSK members have been able to attend CSTA conferences and webinars, where they have learned about new teaching methods and technologies.
Access to research and advocacy on behalf of computer science education: RSK has been able to use CSTA’s research and advocacy to support its own efforts to promote computer science education in Kenya.

CSTA was founded in 2004 and has over 40,000 members in the United States and around the world. The association offers a variety of resources and services to its members.

I am confident that the Robotics Society of Kenya will continue to make a positive impact on the future of Kenya. The Society’s work is essential, and I am grateful for their dedication and commitment.

Growing up with robotics kits will inspire many of them to find a career in computer science and general AI courses.

Robotics

Robotics is a field of engineering that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. Robots are machines that can be programmed to perform tasks automatically. They can be used in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation.

What is robotics?

Robotics is a branch of technology that deals with physical robots. Robots are programmable machines that are usually able to carry out a series of actions autonomously, or semi-autonomously.

In my opinion, there are three important factors which constitute a robot:

Robots interact with the physical world via sensors and actuators.
Robots are programmable.
Robots are usually autonomous or semi-autonomous.

Robots are made up of several components, including:

A sensor detects the environment and sends information to the robot’s controller.
The controller processes the information from the sensor and decides what the robot should do.
The actuator carries out the controller’s instructions by moving the robot’s mechanism.

Robots can be classified into several types, including:

Industrial robots are used in factories to perform repetitive tasks, such as welding, painting, and assembly.

Service robots are used in a variety of settings, such as homes, hospitals, and businesses. They can be used for tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and providing companionship.

Medical robots are used in surgery and other medical procedures. They can be used to perform tasks that are too dangerous or difficult for human surgeons.
Military robots are used in warfare. They can be used to perform tasks such as scouting, bomb disposal, and armed combat.

Robotics is a rapidly growing field, and there is a lot of research being done in this area. Some of the current research areas in robotics include:

Artificial intelligence (AI): AI is being used to develop robots that can think for themselves and make decisions.
Robotics with sensors and actuators: Researchers are developing new sensors and actuators that will allow robots to interact with the environment in more sophisticated ways.
Robotics with software: Researchers are developing new software that will allow robots to be programmed more easily and efficiently.

Humanoid robot

Uniccon Group, a two-year-old Nigerian technology firm, has built a humanoid: a 6-foot-tall multilingual human-like robot called Omeife.Powered by sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms developed in-house by the company’s team of scientists, Omeife has a deep understanding of African culture and behavioural patterns.

A humanoid robot is a robot that has the same basic physical structure and capabilities as a human. This includes a torso, two arms, two legs, and a head. Some humanoid robots may also have facial features, such as eyes and a mouth.

Humanoid robots are often used in research or industrial purposes but have also been increasingly used in entertainment and military applications. For example, humanoid robots can be used to:

Perform dangerous or repetitive tasks: Humanoid robots can be used to perform tasks that are dangerous or repetitive for humans, such as cleaning up hazardous waste or assembling products in factories.
Interact with humans: Humanoid robots can be used to interact with humans in a variety of ways, such as providing customer service, teaching children, or providing companionship for the elderly.
Explore dangerous or inaccessible areas: Humanoid robots can be used to explore dangerous or inaccessible areas, such as the aftermath of a natural disaster or the interior of a nuclear reactor.

Sophia

Sophia is a social humanoid robot developed by Hanson Robotics. She is known for her lifelike appearance and her ability to engage in conversations.

As technology continues to advance, humanoid robots are becoming more sophisticated and lifelike. In the future, humanoid robots may be used for even more tasks, such as providing healthcare, working in law enforcement, or even serving in the military.

Artificial Intelligence

“Artificial intelligence is the new electricity”
Andrew Ng,British-American computer scientist and technology entrepreneur focusing on machine learning and Artificial intelligence (AI)

According to Wikipedia,Artificial intelligence (AI) is intelligence demonstrated by computers, as opposed to human or animal intelligence. “Intelligence” encompasses the ability to learn and to reason, to generalize, and to infer meaning.AI applications include advanced web search engines (e.g., Google Search), recommendation systems (used by YouTube, Amazon, and Netflix), understanding human speech (such as Siri and Alexa), self-driving cars (e.g., Waymo), generative or creative tools (ChatGPT and AI art), automated decision-making, and competing at the highest level in strategic game systems (such as chess and Go).

Artificial intelligence was founded as an academic discipline in 1956, and in the years since it has experienced several waves of optimism, followed by disappointment and the loss of funding (known as an “AI winter”),followed by new approaches, success, and renewed funding.AI research has tried and discarded many different approaches, including simulating the brain, modeling human problem solving, formal logic, large databases of knowledge, and imitating animal behavior. In the first decades of the 21st century, highly mathematical and statistical machine learning has dominated the field, and this technique has proved highly successful, helping to solve many challenging problems throughout industry and academia.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics, can play a pivotal role in solving many of the world’s most pressing problems, such as climate change, energy insecurities, and healthcare, agriculture and education challenges. They can be used to automate many of the tedious, repetitive tasks that we currently do in our daily lives, freeing up time and energy for more creative pursuits.

The types of AI:

The subject of artificial intelligence is widely documented and researched. In order to offer an understandable and concise vision of the subject, we will approach the subject by mentioning that there are 2 kinds of AI: Weak AI and Strong AI.

Weak AI

Also called Narrow AI or Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), those technologies are used to perform simple tasks. This form of intelligence works through algorithms. The algorithms, programmed by humans, allow a robot to simulate intelligence while being assisted.

Thus, the so-called “weak” AI defines a program that simulates intelligence for the purpose of performing a specific task. In other words, weak artificial intelligence performs a predefined task. When it received the task, the machine analyzes it in order to solve the problem. This will then be transcribed into algorithms. The word “narrow AI” would thus be more accurate since this type of AI is anything but weak. It is the most common of the AI that surrounds us today. It enables some very robust applications, such as Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, and autonomous vehicles.

Strong AI

In order to feel real feelings, the “strong AI” consists in making a machine understand what led it to perform actions. In this way, the system reproduces in an identical way the functioning of the human cognitive system. This type of AI refers to a model in which a machine would have an intelligence equal to (or at least very close to) that of humans. It would have a self-awareness that has the capacity to solve problems, to learn and to plan the future.

Thus, although deprived of natural consciousness, which remains specific to living organisms, the machine acquires an experience allowing it to modify its own functioning. In other words, a learning process results from the reception of basic data and leads to initially unprogrammed reactions. While strong AI is still entirely theoretical with no practical examples in use today, that doesn’t mean AI researchers aren’t also exploring its development.

Deep Learning and Machine Learning, let’s make it clearer:

Here are two more concepts that we encounter very regularly when we look at the question of artificial intelligences. First of all, we can affirm that deep learning and machine learning are sub-fields of artificial intelligence, and that deep learning is actually a sub-category of machine learning.

Machine Learning is an AI that can automatically adapt with minimal human interference, and Deep Learning is a subset of Machine Learning using neural networks to mimic the learning process of the human brain.

Several major differences separate these two concepts. Deep Learning requires larger volumes of training data, but learns from its own environment and mistakes.

On the contrary, Machine Learning allows training on smaller datasets, but requires more human intervention to learn and correct its errors.

In the case of Machine Learning, a human must intervene to label the data and indicate their characteristics. A Deep Learning system, on the other hand, attempts to learn these characteristics without human intervention.

To give a more concrete example, Machine learning is like a robot that follows instructions. It looks at patterns in the information to do things like predict what might happen next. Deep learning is like a robot that is smarter. It can figure out more complex patterns and make its own decisions about what might happen.

If we now go back to ChatGPT, it uses a form of deep learning called Transformer Networks. The Transformer Network is based on a technology called Attention Mechanism which enables the chatbot to understand the context of conversations and respond more accurately.

Machine learning (ML)

Machine learning (ML) is a field of computer science that gives computers the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed. ML algorithms are trained on data, and they can then use that data to make predictions or decisions.

Deep learning (DL)

Deep learning (DL) is a subset of machine learning that uses artificial neural networks to learn from data. Neural networks are inspired by the human brain, and they can be used to solve complex problems that would be difficult or impossible for traditional machine learning algorithms to solve.

Neural networks

Neural networks are a type of machine learning algorithm that is inspired by the human brain. Neural networks are made up of interconnected nodes, and each node can perform a simple calculation. By combining many nodes, neural networks can learn to perform complex tasks.

Data science

Data science is a field that combines computer science, statistics, and other disciplines to extract knowledge and insights from data. Data scientists use a variety of tools and techniques to analyze data, and they often use machine learning and deep learning algorithms to make predictions or decisions.

These sub-domains of AI are interrelated, and they are all used to solve real-world problems. For example, machine learning is used to power search engines, recommendation systems, and fraud detection algorithms. Deep learning is used to develop self-driving cars, facial recognition systems, and natural language processing (NLP) models. Neural networks are used in a variety of applications, including image classification, speech recognition, and text translation. And data science is used to analyze data from a variety of sources, including social media, sensor data, and financial transactions.

AI is a rapidly growing field, and it is having a major impact on our world. As AI technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and groundbreaking applications of AI in the years to come.

Generative AI

“When generative AI shocked the world just a few months ago,we had never seen anything like it.Nothing even close to it.Even the biggest names in tech found the experience mind-blowing.”

“And just like that,the possibility that this form of intelligence could get smarter than us got so much closer than we ever thought–including those behind the technology.”

-Doreen Bogdan — Martin ,ITU chief

Generative AI refers to a branch of artificial intelligence focused on creating or generating new content, such as images, videos, music, or text, based on patterns and data it has learned from. It involves using algorithms, particularly generative models like generative adversarial networks (GANs) or variational autoencoders (VAEs), to produce new and original content.

Generative AI refers to a category of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that generate new outputs based on the data they have been trained on. Unlike traditional AI systems that are designed to recognize patterns and make predictions, generative AI creates new content in the form of images, text, audio, and more.

Generative AI models are trained on large datasets and learn the underlying patterns and structures present in the data. Once trained, these models can generate new instances that resemble the patterns observed in the training data. The goal is to create content that is not simply a replication of existing examples but rather something novel and creative.

There are various approaches and techniques used in generative AI:

GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks): GANs consist of two neural networks — the generator and the discriminator — that compete against each other during training. The generator generates new content, while the discriminator tries to distinguish between the generated content and real examples. Through this adversarial process, the generator improves its ability to generate realistic and convincing content.

VAEs (Variational Autoencoders): VAEs are generative models that consist of an encoder and a decoder. The encoder maps the input data into a lower-dimensional latent space, while the decoder reconstructs the input data from the latent space. VAEs enable the generation of new content by sampling points from the latent space and decoding them into new instances.

Autoregressive Models: Autoregressive models, such as recurrent neural networks (RNNs) or transformers, generate sequences of data by modeling the conditional probability distribution of each element in the sequence given the preceding elements. These models are widely used for generating text or sequential data.

Variational autoencoders (VAEs): VAEs are a type of generative AI model that works by encoding existing data into a latent space. The latent space is a lower-dimensional representation of the data, and it can be used to generate new data that is similar to the data that was encoded.

Boltzmann machines: Boltzmann machines are a type of generative AI model that works by sampling from a probability distribution. The probability distribution is learned from existing data, and it can be used to generate new data that is similar to the data that was used to train the model.

Generative AI has found applications in various domains, including:

Image generation: Generating new images that resemble the characteristics of a given dataset, such as generating realistic faces, landscapes, or objects.
Video generation: Creating new video sequences based on learned patterns from existing videos, enabling the generation of realistic video content.
Music generation: Composing new musical pieces based on learned musical patterns and structures from existing compositions.
Text generation: Generating coherent and contextually relevant text, such as writing stories, generating code, or creating dialogue.
Art: Generative AI can be used to create art, such as paintings, sculptures, and music.
Design: Generative AI can be used to design new products, such as furniture, clothes, and cars.
Marketing: Generative AI can be used to create personalized marketing content, such as emails, ads, and social media posts.
Education: Generative AI can be used to create personalized learning content, such as textbooks, quizzes, and exercises.
Entertainment: Generative AI can be used to create new forms of entertainment, such as movies, games, and virtual worlds.

Generative AI has opened up new possibilities for creative expression, enabling AI systems to produce content that was traditionally associated with human creativity. It has also been used for data augmentation, simulation, and other practical applications beyond the realm of art.

ChatGPT

Artificial intelligence chatbots are gaining popularity in the education industry. Natural language processing and machine learning are used by these intelligent, computer based applications to understand and respond to students’ inquiries and requests.

OpenAI ChatGPT is a natural language processing model developed by OpenAI.It is a variant of the GPT-3 (Generative Pretrained Transformer 3) model, which is a large language model that has been trained on a vast amount of text data.

OpenAI ChatGPT is specifically designed for conversation and chat-based applications, and it has the ability to understand and generate human-like text in response to user inputs. This makes it useful for applications such as chatbots,virtual assistants and other conversational AI systems.

OpenAI ChatGPT can be used to practice hybrid learning in schools. The uses of OpenAI ChatGPT in education can include the provision of tailored learning experiences for students, assisting them in remaining interested and motivated to continue studying.

The capacity of OpenAI’s ChatGPT approach to understand and provide human-like solutions to math problems is one potential use. The app could be used to produce solutions to math problems in the same manner that a human would.

The OpenAI ChatGPT can be used to write basic codes in many programming languages.For example, you can ask the artificial intelligence (AI) tool to “write python code that will calculate two numbers.” and the chatbot will quickly provide clean working lines of code for you.

The ChatGPT model developed by OpenAI has the potential to be utilized as a tool to assist students in conducting research by producing relevant material and sources on a particular topic.

Remember that ChatGPT is not a replacement for human expertise and intuition,but rather a tool that can help you improve your coding productivity and efficiency.Use it in combination with your own coding skills and knowledge to achieve the best results.

ChatGPT Prompt

Show a simple Python to code a simple calculator

ChatGPT-4

ChatGPT-4 is a large language model (LLM) chatbot developed by OpenAI. It is a successor to ChatGPT-3 and is trained on a dataset of text and code that is 10 times larger than the dataset used to train ChatGPT-3. This makes ChatGPT-4 more capable of generating human-quality text, translating languages, writing different kinds of creative content, and answering your questions in an informative way.

Here are some of the key features of ChatGPT-4:

Larger and more comprehensive dataset: ChatGPT-4 is trained on a dataset of text and code that is 10 times larger than the dataset used to train ChatGPT-3. This makes ChatGPT-4 more capable of generating human-quality text, translating languages, writing different kinds of creative content, and answering your questions in an informative way.
Improved accuracy and fluency: ChatGPT-4 is more accurate and fluent than ChatGPT-3. This means that it is less likely to make mistakes and is more likely to generate text that is easy to read and understand.
Enhanced creativity: ChatGPT-4 is more creative than ChatGPT-3. This means that it is more likely to generate original and interesting text, such as poems, stories, and code.
Better ability to answer questions: ChatGPT-4 is better able to answer your questions in an informative way. This is because it is able to access and process more information from its dataset.

ChatGPT-4 is still under development, but it has the potential to be a powerful tool for a variety of tasks, such as education, research, and entertainment. It is also possible that ChatGPT-4 could be used to develop new applications, such as chatbots that can provide customer service or medical advice.

If you are interested in trying ChatGPT-4, you can access it through the OpenAI API or through the ChatGPT Plus website. ChatGPT Plus is a paid subscription service that offers access to ChatGPT-4 and other features, such as the ability to fine-tune the model to your specific needs.

Google Bard

According to ZDNET, Bard is Google’s experimental, conversational, AI chat service. It is meant to function similarly to ChatGPT, with the biggest difference being that Google’s service will pull its information from the web.

Like most AI chatbots, Bard can code, answer math problems, and help with your writing needs.

Artificial Intelligence in Today’s Education Environment

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize education by making it more personalized, engaging, and accessible. Here are some of the ways that AI is being used in education today:

Personalized learning: AI can be used to personalize learning for each student by tailoring instruction to their individual needs and interests. For example, AI-powered learning platforms can track student progress and identify areas where students need additional help. They can then provide personalized learning recommendations, such as additional practice problems or videos.
Adaptive assessment: AI can be used to create adaptive assessments that adjust to each student’s level of understanding. This can help to ensure that students are challenged appropriately and that they are not wasting time on material that they already know.
Virtual tutors: AI-powered virtual tutors can provide students with individualized instruction and feedback. These tutors can be available 24/7, so students can get help whenever they need it.
Chatbots: AI-powered chatbots can answer students’ questions and provide support. Chatbots can be used to answer questions about course material, help students with assignments, or simply provide a friendly ear to talk to.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR): VR and AR can be used to create immersive and engaging learning experiences. For example, VR can be used to take students on field trips to historical sites or to allow them to experience scientific phenomena in a safe and controlled environment. AR can be used to overlay digital information onto the real world, such as labels on objects or interactive instructions.

These are just a few of the ways that AI is being used in education today. As AI continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and effective AI-powered tools that can help students learn and grow.

Here are some of the benefits of using AI in education:

Personalization: AI can help to personalize learning for each student by tailoring instruction to their individual needs and interests. This can help students to learn more effectively and efficiently.
Engagement: AI can help to make learning more engaging by using interactive and multimedia content. This can help students to stay motivated and interested in learning.
Accessibility: AI can help to make education more accessible to students with disabilities by providing alternative forms of instruction and assessment. This can help all students to reach their full potential.
Efficiency: AI can help to automate tasks that are currently time-consuming and labor-intensive for teachers, such as grading assignments and providing feedback. This can free up teachers’ time so that they can focus on more important aspects of teaching, such as providing individualized instruction and supporting student learning.

Machine learning in industry Image source: Atria Innovation

AI Research

AI research, or artificial intelligence research, is the process of developing new AI technologies and applications. It involves a wide range of disciplines, including computer science, mathematics, statistics, and engineering.

AI research is focused on developing new ways for computers to learn, reason, and make decisions. It also involves developing new ways for computers to interact with the world around them.

Some of the most common areas of AI research include:

Machine learning: Machine learning is a type of AI that allows computers to learn without being explicitly programmed. Machine learning algorithms can be used to solve a wide range of problems, including image recognition, natural language processing, and fraud detection.
Natural language processing: Natural language processing (NLP) is a field of computer science that deals with the interaction between computers and human (natural) languages. NLP research is focused on developing algorithms that can understand and process human language.
Computer vision: Computer vision is a field of computer science that deals with the extraction of meaningful information from digital images or videos. Computer vision algorithms can be used for a variety of tasks, such as object detection, face recognition, and scene understanding.
Robotics: Robotics is a field of engineering that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. Robotics research is focused on developing new ways for robots to interact with the world around them.
Data mining: Data mining is the process of extracting knowledge from large amounts of data. Data mining algorithms can be used to identify patterns and trends in data, which can be used to make predictions or decisions.

AI research is a rapidly growing field with the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives. As AI research continues to progress, we can expect to see even more innovative and impactful AI technologies in the years to come.

AI Stocks

AI Stocks, also known as artificial intelligence stocks, are shares of companies that are involved in the development or use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. These companies may be developing AI-powered products or services, or they may be using AI to improve their own operations. Some companies also profit directly from AI by selling hardware,software,services,or expertise that the technology needs.

Some of the most well-known AI stocks include:

Alphabet (GOOG): Alphabet is the parent company of Google, which is one of the leading developers of AI technologies. Google’s AI research division, DeepMind, has developed a number of groundbreaking AI technologies, including AlphaGo, which defeated a human champion at the game of Go.
Microsoft (MSFT): Microsoft is another major player in the AI space. The company’s AI division, Azure AI, develops AI-powered products and services for businesses and consumers. Azure AI’s products include the Azure Bot Service, which allows businesses to create and deploy chatbots, and the Azure Machine Learning service, which helps businesses build and deploy machine learning models.
Amazon (AMZN): Amazon is also investing heavily in AI. The company’s AI division, Amazon Web Services (AWS), offers a wide range of AI-powered services, including the Amazon Rekognition service, which can be used to identify objects and people in images and videos, and the Amazon Lex service, which can be used to build and deploy chatbots.
Facebook (META): Facebook is another major player in the AI space. The company’s AI division, AI Research, develops AI technologies for a variety of purposes, including improving the company’s social media platform and developing new products and services. AI Research’s products include the DeepFace facial recognition technology and the MBERT natural language processing model.
Tesla (TSLA): Tesla is a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles. The company is also investing heavily in AI, and its self-driving car technology is powered by AI. Tesla’s AI division, Autopilot, is developing a fully self-driving car that can navigate roads without human input.

Ethical AI

Ethical AI is a set of guidelines and principles that aim to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) is developed and used in a responsible and ethical way. These guidelines typically focus on ensuring that AI systems are fair, transparent, accountable, and safe.

Some of the key ethical principles of AI include:

Fairness: AI systems should not discriminate against individuals or groups of people based on their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
Transparency: AI systems should be transparent about how they work and make decisions. This means that users should be able to understand how the system arrived at a particular decision and what data was used to make that decision.
Accountability: AI systems should be accountable for their actions. This means that there should be a clear process for holding AI systems responsible for any harm that they cause.
Safety: AI systems should be safe to use. This means that they should be designed to avoid causing harm to people or property.

Ethical AI is an important issue because AI systems are becoming increasingly powerful and pervasive. As AI systems become more powerful, they have the potential to cause significant harm if they are not developed and used ethically. Ethical AI guidelines can help to ensure that AI systems are used in a way that benefits society and does not cause harm.

Here are some of the ways to ensure ethical AI:

Involve stakeholders: When developing AI systems, it is important to involve a wide range of stakeholders, including users, developers, researchers, and ethicists. This will help to ensure that the system is designed and used in a way that is ethical and beneficial to all.
Use clear and transparent language: When explaining how AI systems work, it is important to use clear and transparent language. This will help users to understand how the system works and make informed decisions about whether or not to use it.
Make AI systems auditable: AI systems should be designed to be auditable. This means that there should be a way to track how the system works and make sure that it is not making biased or discriminatory decisions.
Build in safeguards: AI systems should be built with safeguards in place to prevent them from causing harm. These safeguards could include things like physical or software limitations, or human oversight.

Ethical AI is a complex and evolving field. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to ensuring that AI is used ethically. However, the guidelines and principles outlined above can help to make AI systems more ethical and beneficial to society.

Chess

Since the mid-1960s,researchers in computer science have famously referred to chess as the ‘drosophila of artificial intelligence (AI)’.What they seem by this is that chess, like the common fruit fly, is an accessible familiar, and relatively simple experimental technology that nonetheless can be used productively to produce valid knowledge about other, more complex systems.

The decision to adopt drosophila as the organism of

choice for genetics research had far-reaching implications for the development of 20th century biology. In a similar manner, the decision to focus on chess as the measure of both human and computer intelligence had important and unintended consequences for AI research.

Research & education

Chess and other brain games challenge the brain and stimulate the neurons to form connections across the brain.More connections mean that neural communication within the brain becomes faster at an optimal state.

Several studies indicate a positive correlation between being introduced to chess in childhood and performing better in subjects like math and science,as well as showing an enhanced capacity for problem-solving ,memory,and language skills,all of which are valuable,and increasingly rare,assets in the job market.

Chess is a game that has been around for centuries, and it has long been believed that it has educational benefits. In recent years, there has been a growing body of research that supports this belief. Studies have shown that chess can improve a variety of cognitive skills, including:

Problem-solving: Chess requires players to constantly be thinking ahead and planning their next move. This helps to develop their problem-solving skills.
Critical thinking: Chess players need to be able to think critically about their opponents’ moves and their own options. This helps them to develop their critical thinking skills.
Visualization: Chess players need to be able to visualize the board and the possible moves that can be made. This helps them to develop their visualization skills.
Memory: Chess players need to remember the moves that have been made in the game, as well as the possible moves that can be made. This helps them to develop their memory skills.
Attention span: Chess requires players to focus on the game for extended periods of time. This helps them to develop their attention span.

In addition to these cognitive benefits, chess has also been shown to improve academic performance, especially in math. Studies have shown that chess players tend to score higher on math tests than non-chess players.

Chess can also be beneficial for social-emotional development. It teaches players about sportsmanship, cooperation, and how to deal with winning and losing. It can also help to improve self-esteem and confidence.

For all of these reasons, chess is a valuable educational tool that can be used to improve a variety of cognitive, academic, and social-emotional skills.

Here are some of the research studies that have been conducted on the educational benefits of chess:

A study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that chess players had better problem-solving skills than non-chess players.
A study by the University of California, Berkeley found that chess players had better spatial reasoning skills than non-chess players.
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that chess players had better academic performance, especially in math, than non-chess players.
A study by the University of Haifa found that chess players had better social skills and emotional maturity than non-chess players.

These are just a few examples of the many research studies that have been conducted on the educational benefits of chess. The evidence is clear that chess is a valuable tool that can be used to improve a variety of cognitive, academic, and social-emotional skills.

Alpha Zero chess

AlphaZero is an AI competitor to chess that was developed by DeepMind, a British artificial intelligence research company. It is a self-learning program that was trained by playing against itself millions of times. AlphaZero does not use any human-crafted knowledge or heuristics, and it was able to achieve superhuman levels of play in chess within 24 hours of training.

AlphaZero’s play style has been described as “alien” by some chess experts. It often makes counterintuitive moves that seem to defy conventional wisdom. For example, AlphaZero has been known to sacrifice pieces in order to gain a positional advantage.

Image credit:PNGWING / AlphaZero vs AlphaZero:The Perfect Game

AlphaZero’s success has raised questions about the future of chess. Some experts believe that AlphaZero could eventually solve chess, meaning that it would be able to find the perfect move for any given position. Others believe that AlphaZero’s play style is too unpredictable for it to ever be able to consistently defeat human players.

Only time will tell what the ultimate impact of AlphaZero will be on chess. However, there is no doubt that it is a groundbreaking AI program that has the potential to revolutionize the game.

Here are some of AlphaZero’s achievements in chess:

Defeated Stockfish, the world’s top chess engine at the time, after just 24 hours of training.
Defeated Elmo, the top shogi engine, after just 12 hours of training.
Defeated the three-day version of AlphaGo Zero, which had previously defeated the world champion Go player Lee Sedol, after just 30 hours of training.

AlphaZero’s success is due to its use of deep reinforcement learning. This is a type of machine learning that allows AlphaZero to learn from its own experience. AlphaZero plays millions of games against itself, and it learns from each game how to improve its play.

AlphaZero’s play style is very different from that of traditional chess engines. Traditional chess engines rely on brute-force search to find the best move. AlphaZero, on the other hand, uses its deep neural network to evaluate positions and make decisions. This allows AlphaZero to play more creatively and to find moves that traditional chess engines would never consider.

AlphaZero’s success has had a major impact on the world of chess. It has forced chess engines to rethink their approach to the game, and it has inspired new research into artificial intelligence. AlphaZero is a truly groundbreaking AI program, and it is only the beginning of what is possible in the future of chess.

Raspberry Pi Foundation

The Raspberry Pi Foundation is a UK-based, non-profit company which started its journey by coming up with a small, credit card sized circuit board that could help teach kids computer science at low cost.

The Raspberry Pi Foundation grew tremendously, continuing to develop computers that are great for learning all sorts of skills from robotics to programming and more.

Raspberry Pi

A single-based computers are complete computers based on a single circuit board. They have integrated features like storage, RAM, and ports, with additional accessories like cameras or and audio output.

The Raspberry Pi runs an operating system. In the case of Raspberry Pi,this is usually Linux-based, although it doesn’t have to be.

They are also popular within the 3D printer, with accessibility and affordability the recipe for their success.

Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA)

CSTA was founded in 2004 and has over 40,000 members in the United States and around the world. The association offers a variety of resources and services to its members, including:

Professional development opportunities, such as conferences, webinars, and online courses
Standards-aligned curriculum and assessments
Research and advocacy on behalf of computer science education
Networking opportunities with other computer science teachers

CSTA is a valuable resource for computer science teachers who are looking to improve their skills, stay up-to-date on the latest trends in computer science education, and advocate for computer science in their schools.

Here are some of the benefits of being a member of CSTA:

Access to professional development opportunities
Access to standards-aligned curriculum and assessments
Access to research and advocacy on behalf of computer science education
Access to networking opportunities with other computer science teacher
The ability to support the work of CSTA and help to ensure that all students have access to high-quality computer science education

If you are a computer science teacher, I encourage you to learn more about CSTA and consider joining the association. You can find more information on the CSTA website.

Microsoft Imagine

Microsoft Imagine Cup is an annual competition that challenges students from around the world to use technology to solve real-world problems. The competition is open to students of all ages and skill levels, and there are a variety of categories to choose from, including:

The Imagine Cup brings together student developers and aspiring entrepreneurs from all academic backgrounds to envision solutions for the future.

The Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior is a global student competition for students ages 13–18. Through ICJ, educators utilize lessons to teach their students about AI technologies, students form teams, and apply these lessons to dream up a concept or idea to make a difference in their local community or world around them.

Imagine Cup Junior is an exciting opportunity for students aged 13–18 years old to learn about technology and how it can be used to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges, while participating in a global student challenge. It’s a great introduction to technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and cybersecurity, and is suitable for all levels, especially beginners.

AI for Good: This category challenges students to use artificial intelligence to solve social problems

Games: This category challenges students to create innovative and engaging games.

MakeCode: This category challenges students to use MakeCode, a visual coding platform, to create projects that can make a difference in the world.

Mixed Reality: This category challenges students to use mixed reality technology to create new and immersive experiences.

Minecraft: This category challenges students to use Minecraft, a popular video game, to create projects that can teach others about STEM topics.

The Imagine Cup is a great opportunity for students to learn new skills, to develop their creativity, and to make a difference in the world. Students who win the Imagine Cup receive cash prizes, scholarships, and the opportunity to work with Microsoft engineers.

The Imagine Cup is also a great way for students to network with other students who are passionate about technology. The competition hosts a variety of events, such as hackathons and workshops, where students can meet other students, learn from experts, and collaborate on projects.

If you are a student who is interested in technology, I encourage you to learn more about the Imagine Cup and to consider participating in the competition.

Wrap Up

The Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) kindly requests a Letter of Authority, certificate, and permission (Quality Assurance) to enable us to establish robotics clubs in our primary, secondary schools, and learning institutions.

RSK is a non-profit organization that supports, advocates, and promotes makerspace, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), STEAM,chess and Internet of Things (IoT) activities and projects in our schools and institutions. We believe that these technologies are essential for preparing our students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Future of Work.

We are confident that with the support of the Ministry of Education, we can establish robotics clubs in our schools and help to prepare our students for the future. We respectfully request that you grant us the Letter of Authority, certificate, and permission that we need to make this happen.

Conclusion

According to Forbes,Robotics and AI certainly have the power to transform our world, helping us navigate a rapidly changing future with greater confidence and optimism. Whether we embrace these emerging technologies or resist them, they’re undoubtedly here to stay and will continue to play an increasingly important role in all of our lives.

Stockfish - Open Source Chess Engine

Stockfish is a strong and open source chess engine.

stockfishchess.org

“Computers are able to see,hear and learn.Welcome to the future.”
Dave Waters

Note:

To help spread the good news about the Robotics Society of Kenya. You can join the Robotics Society of Kenya, subscribe to our Google Group, call us, and Email us respectively:

Follow us on Twitter, Medium blog, and Facebook. Subscribe to the Robotics Society of Kenya YouTube channel and visit our site.

Over to you

Thank you for reading. It has been great fun to dive into Advancing STEM Education in Kenya: The Robotics Society of Kenya Calls for the Establishment of Robotics Clubs in Schools and Institutions.

And hope you picked one or two tips from this post. I’d love to hear from you and learn from your experience and reflections in the comments section below.