The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali-Pantami, yesterday inaugurated the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics.
It was reported that the centre is Nigeria’s first centre for emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, Cyber-security, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, Blockchain, Big Data Analytics and Cloud-computing, among others.
The Centre seeks to position the country for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in line with the eight pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, NDEPS, of the Federal Government.
Located at Wuye district in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), the Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities by the National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA).
Some of the facilities include Digital Innovation Lab, Maker space and Fabrication Lab infrastructure, Printed Circuit Board Facilities, 3D Printer, Co-working space for start-ups, training facilities, among others.
Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja, the minister explained that Artificial Intelligence is the refinery of the digital economy while Robotics is very useful in supporting companies in carrying out their repetitive tasks.
Pantami said the centre would serve as a leading hub of innovation, research and development, knowledge transfer, and training in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and other emerging technologies.
He added that the centre would house the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Programme (MIT-REAP) office set to translate research insights into practical frameworks.
