adminTalent Simbi
IMAGINE using your cellphone to switch your lights, adjust your television volume and turn on your stove, fridge or your phone reporting while you at work that you left your stove on and you send a message to turn it off.
Although this may seem futuristic, it is something Asward Mudondo, out here in Nyanga and at only 25 has been toying with success.
The young innovative ICT guru came up with his own software which digitalises all home electrical appliances which he coined GSM-Home Automation System meant to integrate everything in the home.
The most intriguing part of his innovations is that he can demonstrate all of his creations, contrary to handful ideas of others which have not seen the light of the day.
The atomised system can be used to turn on lights, television and other electrical appliances by use of a voice which would have been recorded and pre-programmed in the system. One would simply say out words commanding it and the voice would be taken to the system via a microphone. When one is not in the house, he can make use of the cellphone to send a message commanding the lights, TV or stove to switch off.
More so, the system can check the status of the appliances on the phone while away from home. It can be accessed by all family members by preparing a list of members which is configured to the system.
Mudondo said he came up with the software after observing the society he lives in.
“One day, a lady next door had to be called to attend to a pot she had left on the stove. I helplessly watched as she sped to her house. I then thought of using a remote control later discovered that no one would prefer moving around with a remote control and the idea of using men’s best friend, the cellphone was hatched,” he said.
Compelled to shrug loads of work off women’s shoulders, Asward developed ICT for the kitchen which he coined Precious aimed at improving meals, hygiene and mood in the kitchen.
“For the system to be effective, I have to remove the mouse and keyboard and leave the system voice controlled.
“As soon as one with a headset device enters the kitchen, the system will activate and ask if it can help. One can simply say what is the best way to remove stains and the information will be displayed on a screen mounted on the wall. The system is interactive. When giving a recipe, it will ask if you are ready before giving instructions,” he said. The young designer also designed the Asward intelligent wheelchair which uses the voice to direct a wheelchair.
The specialised chair is fitted with an electric motor on the rear wheels and some free turning wheels in the front, a micro-controller and a sound recorder. The micro-controller will sent signals to the wheels commanding them on speed and direction like turn left or reverse.
“The voice recognition system, Speech recognition already existed, but I integrated it into the programme,” glees the small built emerging scientist.
Now think of how people perceive Westerners in high spirit when they come up with innovations, a fact that is not the same when one local does it. Think of the noise Facebook, Microsoft and Whatsup made up inception.
Asward said he draws great inspiration from President Mugabe on patriotism and self sustenance.
“The President once said that our people have been brainwashed to an extent they no longer believe in their abilities to be self sustained.
“Our colonial mind makes us view whites as superior yet we can do things as much as they can do, or even better,” said Asward.
“It seems Zimbabwe is not yet ready to embrace the local talent in ICT.
“We should create our own solutions to our own problems. I have created a lot of projects which only receive appreciation and certificates without active uptake.
“It is high time we embrace ICT in our everyday life as it is the backbone to any meaningful development,” he added.
The president and founder of ICT Association of Zimbabwe, Mr Hasha Maringe, confirmed Asward’s proficiency.
“Asward developed a lot of innovations among them the auto wheelchair control software and another one of turning on and off lights using a computer. He is talented, innovative and what is mainly lacking is exposure and publicity as well as funding to exploit this untapped potential,” said Mr Maringe.
Born in a family of four, Asward did his primary and secondary education in Nyanga before pursuing a career in electrics at Mutare Polytechnic, which he, however, aborted in a bid to quench his thirst for ICT.
He was unfortunately barred from taking computers by his lecturers who argued that considering his technological intelligence, he could be a threat to the society.
In 2008, while doing Form Four at Nyangani High School, he was crowned the Manicaland top young scientist of the year and in 2012
he was awarded with the top young ICT innovator of the year certificate.
Online Reporter