Africa Innovates Magazine - Flipbook - Page 48
WOMEN-INVENTED ROBOCOPS
TRANSFORM TRAFFIC
CONGESTION ON
THE STREETS OF DRC
These robots were invented by
Women’s Technologies (WoTech – a
Congolese co-operative employing
female and male engineers led by
Thérèse Izay Kirongozi, an entrepreneur
who also runs a separate threerestaurant empire).
With cameras embedded in both their
“eyes” and “shoulders,” antenna
fixed on top of their heads, and data
transmitted to a control center via an
Internet Protocol (IP) transmission,
these new generation traffic cops
are leading the way in managing
congestion – a major result of climateinduced rural and urban mobility. By
promoting a smooth flow of traffic
and cutting back on jams, the robots
are contributing to greenhouse gas
emission reduction.
Therese Izay Kirongozi is a Congolese
engineer, who was always surprised
at the ease with which people could
speed, run red lights, and flee or
bribe their way out of consequences.
She wanted a more reliable and less
corruptible system on the roads,
to enforce traffic laws. Robots, she
thought, could bring accountability to
the rule of law, helping the state collect
revenues that could potentially fund
further infrastructure development
projects.
Building on current success, Izay is
already envisioning manufacturing and
road-cleaning robots. She also plans
to export to other countries within the
region.
Photo credit: gesatech.com
Photo credit: Therese Kirongozi
Photo credit: UNDP
Photo credit: qz.com
48
E-MOBILITY
E-MOBILITY
Kinshasa’s
three
mechanical
policemen,
Tamuke,
Mwaluke
and Kisanga, keep a close eye on
traffic, ensuring smooth flow and
even sending fines through a direct
transmission to the police if a breach
is committed.
SHOWCASING AFRICAN CLIMATE CHAMPIONS
