Speaker
Description
Water scarcity remains one of the most urgent challenges in arid and semi-arid regions across Kenya and Africa. Instead of proposing large centralized infrastructure, this talk presents an open blueprint and technical framework for building decentralized, solar-powered microrobot swarms using Ubuntu and open-source technologies.
The session focuses on the architecture required to build such a system (not a finished product),making it realistic, research-driven, and collaborative.
The proposed framework includes:
- Ubuntu Core for embedded device management
- Open-source firmware for modular microrobot units
- MQTT-based communication for swarm coordination
- Python-based control and optimization logic
- Ubuntu Server edge nodes for local orchestration
- MicroK8s for distributed simulation and testing
- Open hardware standards for community-driven iteration
The talk demonstrates how Ubuntu can extend beyond traditional computing environments into decentralized environmental infrastructure. By framing the project as an open, extensible platform, the session invites developers, students, researchers, and makers to experiment, simulate and contribute improvements.
Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how open-source tools can be used to design scalable, resilient systems that address real-world African climate challenges.
Justification
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This talk aligns strongly with UbuCon’s focus on Ubuntu, open-source innovation, and real-world impact. It demonstrates how Ubuntu can power edge computing, IoT coordination, and decentralized infrastructure systems beyond traditional server environments.
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The topic connects automation, IoT, embedded systems, and cloud-native tooling in a practical architecture that attendees can adapt for their own projects. It also highlights how open-source collaboration can address pressing African challenges such as water scarcity.
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By presenting a technical blueprint rather than a finished product, the session encourages community contribution and future experimentation, embodying the Ubuntu philosophy of shared innovation.
| Where are you based? | Nakuru, Kenya |
|---|---|
| Technical level | intermediate |
| Submission type | Talk |