In Lomé, Togo, inventor and entrepreneur Sam Kodo is developing new robotic solutions for agriculture and education using recycled materials. Kodo, who founded the robotics company Infinite Loop almost a decade ago, focuses on automation technologies aimed at improving farm operations and access to learning tools across Africa.

Among his projects is the FarmBot, which he describes as Africa's first agricultural robot. Built largely from recycled components, the machine integrates artificial intelligence to help farmers monitor crops, collect data, and apply pesticides with minimal human involvement. The goal is to improve field efficiency and production while reducing manual labor.

"Among my many inventions, the one I personally find most satisfying is the design of the very first solar-powered computer made in Togo, called SmartBag. This innovation has won us countless national and international awards for its impact on education in Africa," Kodo told TRT Afrika. He also created an educational robot named VT-BOT, which received recognition in Morocco and Paris during the Scientific Week for Young Talents of Francophone Africa in 2018.

Kodo says his work originates from an early curiosity about how objects function. Many of his inventions remain in prototype form, but he continues to design automation systems that can be applied to both small-scale and commercial farms. Some of his designs focus on feeding livestock or assisting in creative tasks such as sketching.

"I no longer ask myself whether I will be the first or not, I just go for it," he explains. "At the end of the day, no one really invents anything on Earth; nature and the universe are the source of all innovative ideas and possibilities. All of us draw inspiration from and adapt to our realities."

Although trained in sociology, Kodo attributes his passion for robotics to curiosity and problem-solving rather than formal technical education. "A true inventor will never ask 'Why?'. Instead, the person will always ask 'How?' in the quest for knowledge or truth," he said.

INFINITE LOOP's mission is to develop partnerships across Africa to advance robotics and artificial intelligence in the agricultural and educational sectors. The company's focus is on practical innovation through collaboration with regional stakeholders.

Source - https://www.hortidaily.com