28 Feb 2019

The Botswana Institute of Technology, Research and Innovation (BITRI) and the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) are doing some work on drones.

The Assistant Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Mr Fidelis Molao said BITRI has a licensed drone, which they intend to use in Agricultural related research, specifically for crop harvesting purposes.

Mr Molao explained that BIUST has a joint research project with the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) on the development of drone technology from the scratch.

He also pointed out that ‘BIUST is delivering teaching and research on robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, mechatronics and computer engineering that are essential for the development of drones and other robotic technologies.’

“It is anticipated that the collaborative effort between BIUST and BDF will result in the development of drones that can be used for diverse purposes such as anti-poaching, border patrol, delivery of medicines, and others,” he said.

The assistant minister was answering a question from MP for Kanye South, Mr Abram Kesupile, who wanted to know the status of drone technology in Botswana and agencies that were destined for its initial acquisition and use. ENDS