Again and again, we have stated and re-stated that Africa has an abundance of creativity, talent and raw skills just waiting to be focused and harnessed and Ghanaian David Asomaning just added a swathe to our bundle of evidence. The student Engineer shares his inventions and plans on re-inventing robotics in Africa.
In the beginning…
In the beginning, I had to build my own toys as a kid but this was because I was always destroying the toys my parents bought and finally refused to buy. I was naturally curious as to how my toys were built. My friends would laugh at me and call me ‘Toy Boy’. I later discovered I could draw pretty well and I became inspired by the cartoon characters in some comic strips especially from Transformers. This ability I have is a God-given gift and every time I get an inspiration I work on it immediately.
I create ScrapBots. These are robots made from scrap or waste. Not food waste though. I put together all kinds of items from aerosol sprays, table legs, cutlery, watches, christmas lights, batteries, pen tops, ironing heads, cake tins, keys, shoes, chair legs, etc and create a robot out them.
Balancing academics and creativity…
Well I am doing pretty well academically. I was the top overall Diploma student passing with a Distinction at the Ghana Telecomm University which is where I am currently completing my final year. So books and I are cool like that.
Future Plans…
After school the plan is to enter into the telecommunications industry and amass funds to support my project. I actually went on internship with a Ghanaian robotics company and through that I developed my skills and knowledge in the programming of the ScrapBots (to make them move and do stuff like pound fufu!) We have future plans for a TV show for kids to build their interest in robotics technology and currently a summer camp at the Ghana House is often organised for kids to also build their interest in robotics. There is a long term plan to build a High School specializing only in technology.
Challenges…
Well, I have tremendous support from my parents and that’s what really matters. People find it difficult to accept that I built these robots. One time I posted a photo of one of the scrapbots onto some forum and people wouldn’t believe this was made by a Ghanaian or an African. Maybe they think nothing of the sort can come from Africa; or maybe they were threatened. The microprocessors which enable the robots to move are unfortunately imported from the United States which is pretty expensive and hard to find.
Inspiration…
God first then, Tony Sparks of Iron Man; he survived by building a battery for his heart which tells me I can survive anything when I put aside my fears and work with what’s around me.
*Pictures and Interview culled with permission from Ganyobinaa.blogspot.com
FU THIRSTY PEOPLE!!!!!