Johannesburg:African engineers are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), 3D technology, and smart devices to address challenges faced by people with disabilities, enhancing communication, mobility, education, and employment opportunities.
According to Kenya News Agency, innovators across Africa are developing assistive technologies tailored to local needs to overcome hurdles such as high costs and limited access to specialized services. In Kenya, engineer Elly Savatia has developed the Terp360 app, which uses AI and 3D avatars for real-time speech-to-sign language translation. Savatia’s work earned him the 2025 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation. The app now features an extensive open African sign-language motion dataset and benchmark.
The innovation is garnering international interest, with plans to expand into the United Kingdom to meet the demand for British Sign Language. Interest has also been shown from the United States and South Africa, with potential partnerships in various sectors.
Another Kenyan innovator, Brian Mwiti Mwenda, created The Sixth Sense, a device for improving mobility and safety for blind and partially sighted individuals. The device uses ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles and communicate their proximity through vibrations. It is operational in the UK and is being introduced in Austria, supported by Access Austria.
In Tanzania, Dr. Atish Shah founded Roverlabs Tanzania, which uses smartphones as 3D scanners to create customized prosthetic devices. This approach reduces travel costs and hospital visits for patients, particularly those in rural areas. Roverlabs has supported over 2,000 patients and is integrating home-based medical imaging services.
These innovations underscore how engineering can enhance independence when developed with user collaboration. The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, by the Royal Academy of Engineering, aids innovators in transforming ideas into viable businesses through funding and mentorship. Innovators like Savatia, Mwenda, and Shah demonstrate the potential of African engineering to offer greater autonomy and independence to people with disabilities.
The 2026 Africa Prize Final will be held on October 28 in Johannesburg, where Savatia is expected to showcase his progress since winning the prize.
