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South Africa has introduced its first AI-powered tutor robot, Iris, at a launch event in Durban, a move expected to reshape the country’s education system.
Iris is the creation of Thando Gumede, a KwaZulu-Natal entrepreneur and former educator who heads BSG Technologies.
The robot is designed to deliver instruction across all subjects — from Grade R through tertiary education — in all eleven official languages of South Africa, making it a landmark step in accessible, culturally inclusive learning.
The unveiling in Durban served as a live demonstration of Iris’ capabilities, showcasing how it delivers personalised, interactive lessons with instant feedback. The goal: to support learners at their own pace and help close educational disparities.
Gumede, originally from rural Hluhluwe, shared that Iris is the culmination of an eight-year project, accelerated in recent years by advances in AI.
She emphasized that Iris is built to assist teachers, not replace them, by easing tasks such as marking, analysing curriculum progress, and generating reports.
“My dream is to see Iris in every classroom across South Africa, especially in rural and under-resourced communities where qualified teachers and learning materials are scarce. We’re setting up our plants, acquiring equipment and preparing for mass deployment. The goal is to make Iris affordable, accessible and adaptable to every learner’s needs,” she said.
Minister Gina praised Iris as an innovation that leverages AI to bridge gaps in learning and uplift education across the country.
In alignment with this vision, the Department of Basic Education is expanding ICT and technical learning programs in KwaZulu-Natal to prepare learners for evolving job markets that increasingly demand digital skills.
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