The Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, marked a major milestone today with the unveiling of an innovative drilling and cutting robot, an achievement that reflects the visionary leadership and modernized approach championed by the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. Inspired by the governor’s focus on transformative, homegrown technology, IMT’s Acting Rector, Dr. Emeka Patrick Ejim JP, PSLC, expressed gratitude for the governor’s progressive influence, noting that IMT is now strategically positioned to drive advanced engineering solutions and foster a culture of innovation among its students.
“We thank God for the executive governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for giving us this disruptive mindset of thinking outside the box,” Dr. Ejim remarked. “We are implementing it down to the institution with a view to instill a creative mindset in our students.” This dedication to innovation and practical learning is transforming IMT into a hub for breakthrough technologies within Enugu State and beyond.
The newly unveiled robot, designed by IMT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, represents a significant leap forward in construction and demolition technology. Conceived as part of the project titled *“Designing, Metal Forming, and Construction of a Drilling and Cutting Robot,”* the machine is equipped to perform a wide range of tasks efficiently and safely in hazardous environments, reducing the need for manual operation and elevating safety standards. This ambitious project underscores IMT’s commitment to producing homegrown solutions that address pressing industry needs and set new benchmarks in engineering education.
The robot features advanced functionality, including 'Precision and Range'; An adjustable arm capable of extensive reach and control, enabling work on various materials at different angles. 'Versatile Mobility'; The robot’s chassis is designed for stability and adaptability, allowing it to maneuver through challenging terrains typically encountered on construction sites, and 'Remote Operation': By integrating remote control capabilities, the robot can be operated from a safe distance, keeping workers out of direct danger zones.
With this unveiling, IMT also announced its intent to collaborate with the Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI), a renowned institution in Nigeria that has shown excellence in manufacturing affordable scientific and industrial equipment. SEDI’s expertise lies in designing, developing, and producing essential tools for medical, aviation, navigation, and other critical sectors, which are instrumental for educational, industrial, and research advancement across Nigeria. Through this partnership, IMT aims to refine and enhance the capabilities of the drilling and cutting robot, taking it from an experimental prototype to a fully operational tool with a broader scope of applications.
The Acting Rector explained that the anticipated collaboration with SEDI will be integral to enhancing the prototype’s effectiveness and extending its application to meet industrial standards. “SEDI has demonstrated that Nigeria has the capability to manufacture a wide range of scientific equipment locally at affordable prices. Our partnership with them is an opportunity to drive innovation in a way that is accessible and sustainable,” Dr. Ejim noted.
Dr. Tim Adibe, the Head of the Engineering Department at IMT, also expressed his excitement over the unveiling and the upcoming partnership with SEDI, stating, “The introduction of this robot is a pivotal moment for IMT and the Engineering Department. It symbolizes our commitment to practical education and technological growth. With SEDI’s support, we aim to enhance the robot’s capabilities to a new level, enabling it to serve as a model for future engineering advancements in Nigeria.”
In the presence of the IMT management team, faculty, and students, Dr. Ejim narrated how this robot represents the spirit of innovation that Governor Mbah has inspired across the state. He emphasized that, beyond the unveiling of a machine, IMT’s new focus on practical, hands-on education aims to instill creativity and problem-solving skills in students, preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow’s workforce.
The unveiling also highlighted IMT’s objective to address key safety concerns within the construction and demolition industries. With enhanced engineering designs, real-life testing, and feedback mechanisms, IMT and SEDI are poised to develop a next-generation robot that can reduce accidents, particularly in high-risk environments. By creating advanced remote-control functions and improving the robot’s material-handling accuracy, IMT is setting a course for a safer, technology-driven construction landscape in Nigeria.
The successful demonstration of the prototype also showcased the capabilities of IMT’s Engineering Department in terms of metal forming, power-transmission systems, and kinetic motion control. Leveraging high-quality aluminum alloys and advanced power mechanisms, the robot is designed to withstand extreme forces while maintaining control and stability in rigorous operational settings.
Dr. Ejim reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to Governor Mbah’s vision of transforming Enugu into a center of technological excellence. With a shared goal to produce industry-relevant technologies, IMT is laying the foundation for future engineers and innovators, all of whom are being equipped with the mindset to think beyond conventional boundaries and redefine what is possible.
Through this collaboration, IMT Enugu aims not only to build upon this remarkable invention but to position itself as a pioneering force in Nigeria’s technological landscape. The journey toward creating safer, more efficient equipment for the country’s construction industry is now in full swing, powered by IMT’s bold vision and commitment to progress, inspired by Governor Mbah’s impactful leadership.
