Workshop · 6th or 7th August 2026 · Lagos, Nigeria
Theme: LLMs in Robotics
Join us in exploring the frontiers of deep learning and LLMs in robotics, and what this technology means for the African continent.
About
The Workshop on Robotics and Automation in Africa is an annual gathering dedicated to advancing robotics research and practice across the African continent. Now in its fourth edition, the workshop focuses on the intersection of large language models and robotic systems — exploring how these technologies can be developed, adapted, and deployed in African contexts.
Hosted at the Deep Learning Indaba at Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos, Nigeria, this edition brings together researchers, engineers, students, and industry practitioners for a day of tutorials, panels, and community building. The workshop is part of a growing series of events committed to nurturing robotics talent across the continent.
The workshop is organised by the Akili African Robotics Community (AARC) — an organisation dedicated to promoting accessibility, community, and education for robotics across Africa.
At a Glance
Programme
| 09:00 – 09:20 | Opening Welcome and Introduction |
| 09:20 – 11:00 | Tutorial Interactive Tutorial |
| 11:00 – 11:45 | Panel Panel Discussion |
| 11:45 – 12:00 | Closing Closing Remarks and Call to Action |
Speakers
Organisers
Alexandra Barry
University of the Witwatersrand
Geraud Nangue Tasse
University of the Witwatersrand
Jenalea Rajab
DEI Projects
Ndivhuwo Makondo
IBM Research
Sicelukwanda Zwane
Kinisi Robotics
Tamlin Love
Institut de Robòtica i Informàtica Industrial (CSIC-UPC)
Zukisa Mbuli
University of the Witwatersrand
Sponsors
We are especially grateful to our sponsors for making this event possible.
Interested in sponsoring? Get in touch
About Us
The word "Akili" comes from Swahili and means mind, wisdom, intelligence or ingenuity. It represents the collective wisdom, critical thinking and problem solving of African researchers, practitioners, teachers and students. We also embrace "Akili" as a symbol of the artificial mind which we design, create and embed in robots. This dual meaning lies at the heart of our community. By bringing together the many minds of Africans working in robotics, across borders, disciplines and generations, we can shape a strong and inclusive ecosystem on the continent and build better robot minds.
Akili African Robotics Community (AARC) is a network of African roboticists seeking to bring together robotics practitioners from across the continent and beyond to create a shared space for collaboration, knowledge exchange and mutual support. AARC exists to connect people who might otherwise work in isolation and to amplify African voices and innovations in the global robotics community.
The world is experiencing a rapid rise in interest and expertise in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and robotics, and Africa is no different. Initiatives such as the Deep Learning Indaba demonstrate the strength, talent, and momentum of African researchers and practitioners in AI and related fields. Across universities, startups, research labs, and innovation hubs, new communities are forming and producing world-class work. Robotics is a natural next frontier for this growing ecosystem.
Despite this progress, significant gaps remain. Many aspiring roboticists still face limited access to hardware, software, funding, training, and research opportunities. At the same time, there is a lack of connectivity between individuals and groups working on robotics across the continent, making collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning more difficult than they should be. AARC exists to help close these gaps.
Our Mission
Through Akili, we aim to build a connected, empowered, and globally visible African robotics community which uses shared knowledge and collective "mind" to solve local and global challenges.
Stay in the loop
Join our Discord to keep updated about announcements and programme updates, and to be part of a vibrant African robotics community.