South Africa has ushered in a new educational era with the launch of its first AI-powered teaching robot. It’s a trailblazing technology in Africa.
Officials have hailed this innovation as a transformative tool poised to enhance learning in classrooms.
The robot known as IRIS was Developed by BSG Technologies, a South African technology solutions company.
It is multilingual, capable of teaching all subjects from pre-primary school level through tertiary level. It communicates in all South Africa’s official languages, including isiZulu, Afrikaans, Sesotho, and English.
The company's founder is 31-year-old South African Thandoh Gumede, a former educator from the deep rural parts of the country’s Hluhluwe region in KwaZulu Natal Province. Gumede says she started working on this project eight years ago.
The tutor robot responds to voice commands, fostering an interactive learning environment designed to inspire students, particularly in rural areas.
Gumede has set an ambitious goal to bring the robot to every classroom across South Africa, but stresses that it would take partnering with developers and other stakeholders to make it possible.
During the official launch in Durban city in August, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, hailed the innovation as a breakthrough that will “enable learners to reach their full potential.”
Some observers say the introduction of robots as teachers could impact job availability for human teachers around the world.
However, education officials in South Africa have been quick to clarify that IRIS is designed to support, not replace, human educators.
The robot assists by explaining complex concepts and personalising lessons, while teachers receive training to work alongside it.
The demonstration of this support was met with applause when IRIS clearly simplified an accounting concept.
While highlighting available government funding, Deputy Minister Nomalungelo urged women and young people to pursue careers in AI and innovation, describing the skills as key drivers of economy.
South Africa’s Department of Education has praised IRIS as a prime example of how youth-led innovation can fuel national development.
While a nationwide rollout is expected to be gradual, the launch signaled a bold step into the future of AI-powered education in South Africa and the entire continent.
