Kenyans on Twitter were marveled by a video of a wall-climbing robot that went viral. The innovative robot was built by two Kenyans and is controlled by a state of the art phone application.
One of the innovators whose Twitter username is Yomu, who shared the video, said he wanted to challenge the notion that Kenyans are not innovative, saying, “There’s been a statement that Kenyans don’t innovate, I didn’t like that. I thought I’d share .”
This is a #wallclimbingrobot my friend and i made, you can control it wirelessly using an app we made using a mobile/pc/mac. Not only can it climb walls, it can transition across ceilings. There's been a statement that 'Kenyans dont innovate'. I didnt like that so thot I'd share. pic.twitter.com/gDe1dfnhbd
— yomu (@Yomue_) July 24, 2019
The robot can not only climb walls but can also transition ceilings. The gadget can perform several real-life applications that can be beneficial to the construction industry. The key applications are outlined below:
1. Checking structural bulge
The robot can detect if metal beams which support a concrete building maintain a 50mm difference to the surface. If the beams keep diverging, it would mean that the concrete is weak and therefore risky to add another floor. This would prevent disasters of buildings collapsing.
2. Checking the quality of plaster
It can also check for the quality of plaster used as well as how well placed the tiles are. “That annoying sound you get when you step on a tile that hasn’t been well placed is due to poor workmanship, ” says Yomu.
3. Checking cracks, creases, and welding joints
Cracks in buildings usually give insects and other animals a nesting spot but to the disdain of the persons living there. This robot is fitted with a camera that checks for any cracks and creases that might also be a danger in the long run. It also helps constructors confirm whether welding joints have been done properly.
4. Site inspection
According to Yomu, the robot can be used by technicians and engineers to inspect a site instead of using a harness which usually puts them at risk.
5. Cleaning tool
A cleaning tool such as a wiper can be mounted on the robot to help in wiping surfaces such as windows in tall buildings or cleaning off the dust in solar panels on top of buildings.
6. Measuring flatness
The robot uses a better technique of checking for the flatness of a floor in buildings instead of using the spirit level method.
7. Check for vibrations
Plotting a graph and checking for vibrations in a building’s structure is also made easy with this robot.
The robot can do this and more but is yet to be fully refined.
Kenyans were quite impressed by the creativity. Some urged him to take it further and look for funding while others suggested tweaks to make it better. This is one of several innovative Kenyans that are continually challenging stereotypes and proving that Kenyan youth have bright minds that can be tapped into for the country’s growth.
