Renowned robotics expert Professor Oussama Khatib has called on African nations to
embrace robotic technologies as a transformative force across key sectors such as
industry, education, and healthcare. Speaking at a recent global innovation summit, the
Stanford University professor emphasized that collaborative, human-friendly robotics
could revolutionize how Africans work, learn, and heal.
“Robots are no longer just machines in factories,” said Prof. Khatib. “They are intelligent
partners that can empower people—especially in Africa—to achieve more with less effort.”
Professor Khatib highlighted Africa’s unique opportunity to leapfrog traditional
development hurdles by integrating robotics into everyday life. With a youthful population
and growing tech hubs in cities, he believes the continent is ripe for innovation.
At the heart of Khatib’s message is the idea of collaborative robotics—machines
designed to work safely and intuitively alongside humans. These systems are not meant to
replace workers but to enhance productivity, reduce physical strain, and open new
possibilities for skill development.
