Cyusa Chaste, a recent high school graduate from SOS High School in Kagugu, has created an innovative robot designed to guide people to their destinations. The robot, controlled via a mobile phone, helps users find the most efficient routes to specific locations, ensuring they never get lost.
The idea for the robot emerged from Cyusa’s own struggles navigating unfamiliar places. Rather than waiting for formal education, Cyusa took it upon himself to teach himself the skills needed to bring his vision to life. By researching online platforms such as YouTube, he learned how to build the robot and program it to identify and guide users along preset routes.
The robot works by receiving basic location information and directing the user along the quickest and most efficient path to their destination. With a simple press of a button, anyone can set their destination, and the robot will provide step-by-step guidance.
Cyusa’s passion for technology and innovation drives him to continue developing solutions that can benefit his community. While many robots in Rwanda are imported from abroad, Cyusa aims to change this by creating locally designed robots tailored to the needs of Rwandans.
Looking ahead, Cyusa envisions creating a tech company that would support local IT professionals. He dreams of creating a center that brings together skilled workers, offers insurance, and addresses issues such as mistreatment at work or job displacement. His goal is to empower Rwandan IT professionals while solving the shortage of skilled workers in the technology sector.
Despite his impressive achievements, Cyusa faces challenges. One major obstacle is the lack of local expertise in building such guiding robots. The concept is still new to Rwanda, and most robots are imported from overseas. However, Cyusa remains determined to expand his project and develop more advanced robots that can perform a wider range of tasks.
Currently, Cyusa is working on a new version of the guiding robot, which will include a large screen to display directions to users. Once the robot completes its task, it will return to the screen to await further instructions. The current model, which costs 70,000 Rwandan Francs, is powered by small machines that allow it to sense its surroundings, a motherboard that acts as its brain, and wheels powered by a motor.
As he looks to the future, Cyusa is eager to build a team of motivated individuals who share his vision. “On my own, I can’t create many machines,” he explains. “But with a team of passionate people, we can create even more advanced robots to help our community.”
Cyusa’s story is a testament to the power of self-learning and innovation. With his sights set on creating impactful technology for Rwanda, he is paving the way for a future where local solutions meet local needs.
