Five schools are taking part in an initial programme aimed at using multilingual artificial intelligence to support pupils and teachers
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Photo source: shironosov / iStock
South Africa is expanding the use of artificial intelligence in education with the introduction of a humanoid AI tutor designed to provide interactive learning support in schools, as reported by DUrbanTV, a TV BRICS partner.
The initial rollout is taking place in five schools under a national pilot programme, as authorities and educators explore how emerging technologies can improve access to educational resources.
The AI-powered tutor is designed to communicate with learners, answer questions, explain academic concepts, assist with assessments and analyse learning interactions. It is intended to support multiple subjects and educational levels, from early schooling through secondary education and into tertiary study.
One of the system's central features is multilingual communication. It has been developed to operate in all 11 of South Africa's official languages, reflecting efforts to make digital education more accessible across the country's linguistically diverse population.
The initiative forms part of South Africa's broader push to develop artificial intelligence, robotics and other Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. Its stated objective is to use AI as an additional educational resource while maintaining the role of teachers at the centre of classroom learning.
Officials have highlighted the potential of locally adapted AI systems to address educational inequalities, provide additional learning assistance and strengthen technological capabilities within South Africa.
The project is also expected to contribute to skills development in areas including artificial intelligence, software engineering, robotics, manufacturing, technical support and digital education.
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