Workshop · 7th August 2026 · Lagos, Nigeria
4th Workshop on Robotics & Automation in Africa
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
Bringing robotics research to the continent
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
- When: 7th August 2026
- Where: Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, Nigeria
- Theme: LLMs in Robotics
- Organised by: Akili African Robotics Community (AARC)
- Open to: Beginners & Experts
Programme
Workshop Schedule
Welcome and Introduction
Jenalea Rajab
Interactive Tutorial
Sicelukwanda Zwane, assisted by Jenalea Rajab and Elisha Komolafe
Panel Discussion
Dr. Olusola Ayoola, Dayo McIntosh, moderated by Dr. Ndivhuwo Makondo
Closing Remarks and Call to Action
Jenalea Rajab
Speakers
Confirmed Speakers
Dr. Olusola Ayoola
Founder & CEO, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN)
Dr. Olusola Sayeed Ayoola is the Founder and CEO of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN), a leading organisation advancing AI and robotics talent and product development across Africa. He holds a PhD from the University of Manchester and has led groundbreaking projects spanning healthcare, security, and sustainability, including a passenger scream detection system for public buses, upper-limb rehabilitation exoskeletons, and carbon emission tracking drones, alongside smart medical devices such as a gyroscopic arm system for Erb's palsy patients and a smart drug dispenser for dementia care. Under his leadership, RAIN is expanding training programmes across the continent to grow the next generation of AI and robotics talent, and he regularly shares his expertise through keynotes and workshops, including at ICARS 2023 in Abu Dhabi. Widely recognised as a thought leader in the African tech ecosystem, he is a sought-after speaker and collaborator on sustainable technology solutions for Africa's unique challenges.
Dayo McIntosh
Founder & CEO, Yateou Inc.
Dayo McIntosh is a founder, strategist, and innovation leader working at the intersection of AI, robotics, cultural commerce, and clean beauty. Raised in a multicultural environment, she brings a cross-cultural lens to building teams, products, and systems that expand access and create opportunity for underrepresented communities. She is best known for building ADE, the first consumer-facing robot for the beauty and wellness industry, an achievement realised without a traditional technical background, through resourcefulness and curiosity. Guided by the belief that innovation is the great equalizer, she continues to build companies at the crossroads of culture and technology, including a new venture currently in stealth, with a mission to empower marginalized people to see themselves as innovators and architects of the future.
Organisers
Meet the team
Sponsors
Our Sponsors
About Us
Who we are
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
- Promote access to robots, tools, software, and learning resources for researchers, practitioners and students in Africa.
- Foster collaboration between African roboticists, as well as between academia, industry, and innovation hubs.
- Educate and inspire future generations through workshops, research stays, outreach programs, and community-led events at all levels — from schools to universities and beyond.
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.
History
Previous Editions
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Join our Discord to keep updated about announcements and programme updates, and to be part of a vibrant African robotics community.