Mount Kigali University (MKU) is stepping into the future of education with the launch of a humanoid robot, ushering in a transformative shift from theory-heavy teaching to hands-on, technology-driven learning.

The institution on March 27 unveiled the Unitree G1 EDU U6 robotic humanoid, a move leaders say signals a transition "from strategy to action” in delivering innovation-focused education.

Speaking at the launch, the university founder Prof. Simon Gicharu stressed that universities that fail to embrace technology risk being left behind.

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He drew parallels with companies like Nokia, which lost market dominance after failing to adapt to the smartphone revolution.

"Institutions that embrace innovation are the ones that will survive,” he said. "For us to remain relevant, we must adopt technology and efficiency.”

Gicharu emphasised that innovation becomes meaningful when students interact with it directly, urging both staff and learners to embrace the new technology.

MKU Vice Chancellor Dr Martin Kimemia described the robot as more than a symbol, calling it a functional academic tool that will be integrated into teaching, research, and innovation.

"This marks a new direction for us, moving from theory to hands-on learning,” he said.

According to Kimemia, students will programme, test algorithms, and engage with real-world applications of artificial intelligence and robotics across multiple disciplines.

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University officials say the initiative aligns with Rwanda’s ambition to build a digital economy under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

By equipping students with practical skills in artificial intelligence and robotics, the institution aims to nurture innovators capable of creating jobs and solving real-world challenges.

"This is about building problem-solvers,” Kimemia said.

Inside the technology

Nadia Iradukunda, Head of the Information Technology Department at MKU, said the robot represents a major step in strengthening practical learning.

"This robot has cameras, sensors, processors, and two rechargeable batteries. One lasts about two hours, then we replace it,” she explained.

She noted that the university has already trained the robot in basic functions such as walking, speech recognition, and handshaking, with plans to expand its capabilities.

"This is just the beginning. We will continue training it and adding more features. Next time you come, you might find it welcoming you at the university,” she said.

Iradukunda added that the real value lies in bridging the gap between theory and practice.

"If you teach coding like C , students may not fully see how it translates into real-world action. But when they programme a robot and see it perform tasks, that is a big advantage,” she said.

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She stressed that as technology evolves, universities must keep pace.

"Things that were done by humans are now being done by robots. We should not be left behind.”

Boosting practical learning

Erick Nyasani, a lecturer in the IT department, said the robot will help transform teaching by allowing students to implement what they learn in real time.

"In many cases, learning is theoretical, but now students will see the results of their code physically,” he said.

The integration of robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence is expected to significantly improve practical learning outcomes.

Students say the introduction of the robot could change how they learn and solve problems.

Evan Nshuti Karangwa, described the robot as a "co-pilot” that will help bring ideas closer to reality.

"Before, some projects felt far away. Now the future is here, we can build bigger AI and IoT solutions and actually test them,” he said.

Karangwa added that the robot could help develop solutions tailored to Rwanda’s needs.

"If it learns from our environment, it can help solve problems specific to Rwanda,” he noted.

The humanoid robot will be used in teaching labs, student projects, research, and industry collaborations across programmes such as artificial intelligence, data science, and engineering.

University leaders believe the move will position Mount Kigali University as a growing hub for emerging technologies in the region.