Robots are often imagined as sleek, futuristic machines—polished humanoid figures, precise robotic arms, or autonomous delivery bots. But what if the real future of robotics looks more like the Millennium Falcon—messy, modular, and built to withstand real-world conditions?In this episode, expert Dr Patrick Meier takes us on a journey through the evolution of robotics in humanitarian work, from the early days of drones in disaster response to the rise of locally-driven, adaptable robotics solutions. He shares how a global network of experts is exploring ways to design robots that fit the needs of communities, rather than imposing technology from the top down.We’ll hear how robotics is shaping the future of agriculture, health, infrastructure, and waste management in low- and middle-income countries, and why the "right to repair" is a game-changer for innovation in development. Join us as Patrick and a diverse group of pioneers challenge the notion of what robotics should look like—and who gets to build them.

If you like to dig in further… 

👀 Read the online version
📅 Join our online exploration on Robotics for Development on 12th March 2025
🤖 Explore more about the Frontier Tech Hub on our website

Worldwide, climate change is impacting people’s daily lives, in more ways than ever before. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), populations are disproportionately vulnerable, and face major challenges in building resilience to environmental catastrophes, as a result of climate change. One of the overarching negative impacts of climate change is the manifestation of extreme weather events. Extreme weather events, as one of the consequences, lead to more heat stress, which, in turn, affects learning.

The "AI-Driven Temperature Analysis for Better Educational Environments in Tanzania" project aimed to improve learning environments in Tanzanian schools by predicting indoor classroom temperatures using a combination of artificial intelligence (AI), satellite imagery, and environmental data. This data could then be used to see where best to spend money to make low cost and practical interventions.

In this episode you will hear from Mauricia Nambatya (Haileybury Youth Trust Uganda), Jamie Proctor (FCDO) and Björn Haßler (OpenDevEd).

If you like to dig in further…

📚Literature review

💡Results of the Omdena challenge

📈Final report

📚See the OpenDevEd Evidence Library

To save lives, humanitarian aid must be in the right place at the right time. Understanding where nutrition supplements, vaccines and medicines are located and used is vital to meeting emergency needs.

In hard to reach conflict zones, areas without electric and internet connectivity and where staff are overstretched, reliable real time data does not exist. This results in stock running out, medicines expiring and inefficiencies in delivery. Ultimately this puts the lives of the most vulnerable on the line.

This pilot will utilise Internet of Things technology in smart geo-seals to seal boxes of humanitarian goods. These seals will be automatically detected at registered clinics and transmit a signal when the seal is broken. The signal would contain a geo-reference and would be sent to a central database for people to cross reference with intended locations.

This will allow for the automated monitoring of stock levels at clinics and a clear understanding of where and when goods are used. This data can be used by aid agencies and the government to ensure that clinics are stocked and gain an understanding of need in different locations.  

In this episode hear from design engineer Ruby Hill about the unexpected challenges faced when installing the technology in Ethiopia.

If you’d like to dig in further…

🎬 Watch the team installing the hubs in Harar

📚 Read Alasdairs blog about the scoping trip in Ethiopia

🚀 Explore this pilot’s profile page

📸 Check out Greg McKinney’s brilliant photography work