UZ unveils AI drones, solar innovations

The University of Zimbabwe has unveiled a range of locally developed industrial prototypes, including infrastructure-security drones and solar-powered cold-chain transport systems, as the country's Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model continues to drive innovation.

The technologies, designed by nearly 700 final-year students and academic researchers, were showcased during the university's Research, Innovation and Industrialisation Week, which began on Monday and concludes today.

Running under the theme "Advancing transdisciplinarity for impact and competitiveness of Zimbabwe's critical value chains," the exhibition highlighted innovations integrating artificial intelligence, robotics and renewable energy to tackle national challenges in agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure and security.

Among the standout inventions was Chisiyamhepo, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone developed by final-year Aeronautical Engineering student Mitole Jabulani.

The drone has a 200-kilometre operational range and is designed for emergency medical deliveries and infrastructure surveillance.

"This is a vertical take-off and landing drone for medical delivery," Jabulani said.

"For medical delivery, it's specifically anti-venom and blood samples. A person in Murehwa could be in need of anti-venom medication from Parirenyatwa, and this drone can be used to deliver it."

The drone is also designed to combat vandalism of electrical infrastructure through automated surveillance systems linked to transformers.

"We are saying the proximity sensor mounted on the transformer, if it senses suspicious activity, it automatically activates the drone," he explained.

"It goes to check, and if there is theft, it captures footage and can also send a signal to law enforcement."

Another final-year student, Sekai Lusewa, presented Chizadzamatura, a multi-purpose agricultural drone designed to inspect crops, identify diseases and spray chemicals on affected areas.

"Chizadzamatura goes to the crop field, checks the crop and disease detection, and then returns home," Lusewa said.

"From the collected data, the farmer is informed exactly where the diseases were detected and which chemicals are required. The drone then returns to spray the affected areas."

Students also showcased clean-energy transport systems aimed at reducing operational costs for informal traders and strengthening rural healthcare services.

Mechanical Engineering student Tanaka Harare designed a solar-powered refrigerated vending cart intended to help vendors preserve fruit and beverages without relying on expensive ice blocks.

"Vendors spend a lot of money buying ice, so I came up with this cart, which has a mounted refrigerator," Harare said.

"There will be no need to buy ice; it's just a once-off cost, and it's locally available."

Project assessments showed that many vendors spend up to US$4 daily on ice, amounting to more than US$1 400 annually.

Harare's solar-powered cart costs approximately US$450 to manufacture and could save traders more than US$1 000 in the first year alone.

Students also unveiled a solar-electric tricycle fitted with a refrigeration unit for transporting vaccines and medicines across remote rural areas while maintaining required cold-chain temperatures.

Acting Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Kazembe Kazembe praised the student-led innovations after touring the exhibition stands.

"So, it's quite diverse, from gastronomy, energy systems to artificial intelligence-driven technologies," he said.

"I was quite impressed by what I saw. This is evidence of Education 5.0 in action."

Kazembe said the exhibition demonstrated the potential of Zimbabwean students to contribute towards national development and Vision 2030.

Paul Mapfumo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe, said the institution was accelerating its transition from theoretical teaching to production-focused education aligned with the National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030.

"This is more than just reciting the vision," Prof Mapfumo said.

"We are turning our academic capabilities toward creating value that contributes to national development."

He added that emerging technologies such as machine learning, AI-powered energy systems and environmental engineering were now being integrated into Zimbabwe's critical value chains, while medical researchers were also developing new pharmaceutical products using the country's natural bio-resources.