Mozambique held its first national robotics competition at the Maxaquene Pavilion in Maputo, bringing together 55 students to showcase innovative projects aimed at addressing agricultural challenges.
Footage filmed on November 6 shows students carrying provincial flags during the opening ceremony, robots navigating a competition arena and participants presenting technological prototypes, including automated farming systems and hydroponic irrigation projects.
“This year it has a theme, ‘Machamba do Futuro’, the Farm of the Future, because tomorrow begins with technology, and we need to build that bridge between real life and technology,” said Stemmoz Labs Executive Director Akshay Kumar.
One participating team from Maputo City developed a robot designed to assist farmers with planting.
“We created a robot to help people on the farm of the future. Our robot collects seeds and plants them,” said team member Yanic Oliveira.
“The idea is not for robots to replace people or their work, but to help, to make tasks easier and more efficient, because we need to sleep and rest, and they don’t. They work according to their battery capacity,” Oliveira added.
Other projects on display included robotic models, automated industrial systems and a hydroponic farming installation featuring irrigation pipes and a water circulation system.
Beyond the competition, organisers sought to encourage creativity, critical thinking and practical problem-solving among young people, highlighting the potential of robotics to address everyday challenges.
“Teaching robotics is important because it gives children skills that allow them to solve concrete problems in their community. By teaching robotics, we develop 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and digital literacy, among others,” said teacher Jose Antonio.
The inaugural event was organised by Stemmoz Labs in partnership with Mozambique’s Ministry of Education and Culture, with sponsorship from SLB, as part of broader efforts to promote technological education and innovation among the country’s youth.
The Stemmoz National Robotics Challenge brought together students from public and private schools across Mozambique’s ten provinces and Maputo City, including 33 girls.
Source: Viory
