The race towards bringing robotic flying things hasn't slowed down. The effort to reduce the art of electronics and power consumption to a minimal size has often not shown the commercial uptake it deserves. At least from the skills-basis standpoint. It takes a pretty special bunch of individuals to be able to work in a world of the minuscule. The question I guess is more from the intent of the technology. Do you remember the Kodak camera that you could find at any tourist store? At the time, it was brilliant technology with a commercial uptake, but not sustainable for the needs of the future tourist. That technology had to die and die hard. On the other hand, there's aluminium/cast iron pot in the dusty streets of some West African countries, is still made in the same way 30+ years after that technology was conceived. So what makes technology have a staying factor? In the case of microrobots and any new technologies that are on the horizon (like our interest i...

The impact (good and bad) of drones in society is no longer in question. But what will it take for drones to impact a traditionally outdated, low-profit-margin civil works industry through the use of technology? The solution lies in a low-cost approach. One could say it all started when a bunch of scientists realized they could do a far better job in measuring objects accurately and at a distance rather then an individual putting himself in harm's way and using expensive/primitive equipment for the same task. We're talking about photogrammetry. In a nutshell (or should I say according to Wikipedia), Photogrammetry is the science of making measurements from photographs, especially for recovering the exact positions of surface points. In more simplistic terms, provided you have some form of frame of reference (like a ruler) you can determine the physical properties of objects and their exact location to the accuracy of the remote sensing equipment used (a 4K-size imag...

There's a lot of debate around the economic suitability of drones for the delivery of the goods as a direct competitor to traditional trucks and delivery vans. There's an article written by Flexport which highlights two crucial factors that makes drones delivery of general goods not feasible, even in the near future: (1) route density and (2) drop size. Route density is the number of drop-offs you can make on a delivery route and drop-size is the number of parcels per stop on that delivery route. Given the strict airspace regulations on drone size and weight, it has become quite evident, particularly in the African context, that the delivery of general goods will not be an economically viable option even though the obvious need might say otherwise.  However, further analysis and demonstration have shown, from companies like Matternet and others, that the transport of the time-sensitive and high-value parcels (legal-documents, medicine samples, high-value spices...

We've reviewed a document on the impact of the blue-green algae on the irrigation of the agricultural farmlands.  Our investigations follows the trend of the bursts of blue-green algae is the dams using for livestock and plants which has caused many illnesses to the farm workers and their families specifically in small-holding agricultural areas. So we've decided to undergo experimental research into the application of a low-cost drone solution for the analysis, prediction and the eventual eradication of the blue-green algae in dams which has a direct impact in the production yield of the both animals and plants. This research will comprise of the development of the remote sensing system which will generate data that will be used as inputs into a predictive model which will be used to help farmers make alternative plans well-before the blue-green algae has a financial impact the farms' operations and the safety of its workers. The proposal with be prese...

We've reviewed a report by Deloitte discussing issues on how to leverage and protect Africa's innovation for future growth and economic stability. It was highlighted that the traditional focus on exploiting commodities hasn't yielded the redistribution of wealth or improve the standard of living for those working in that sector. Moreover, over 75% of economic activities happen in the informal sector (Nigeria statistics), which is exposed to the volatility that commodity markets are subjected to, which is detrimental to the impoverished communities. One of the major points which directly relates to our mission objective is the following quote from the report: " Yet, as much as innovation is important, there needs to be more focus on the final outcome of innovative solutions. "  In Africa, innovation is part of the daily survival. But it's usually unstructured, very often short-sighted and localized in it's application. Moreover, the growing yout...

So as some of you may know I've decided to bite the bullet and study for my doctor of philosophy degree. Now one may think that as a married man, and a father of a 2 year old crazy son, married to a compulsive and completely unreasonable spouse common man not even attempt to do any further studies. Yet here we are, I've managed to go over the hurdle of producing the draft of 100+ citation literature review and come with a five year plan on how I'm going to execute this monster. In the last few months, it's been evident that this is not gonna be an easy Road. The pressures of work havent subsided, Life As a Christian has taken on a few responsibilities, my sister has emigrated to Portugal leaving me to take care of my lovely mother, and my dad is obviously still requiring my help when it comes to his to his business. So given all that's it's clear that a five-year plan is very optimistic. What doesn't hurt you makes you stronger or you just Die Trying... H...