South Africa introduces AI-Powered teaching robot IRIS in Durban

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has launched IRIS, the country’s first AI teaching robot, designed to support multilingual learning across all grade levels.

Deputy minister Nomalungelo Gina unveils IRIS, South Africa’s first AI teaching robot, in Durban. Image: Supplied. 

South Africa has presented its first artificial intelligence teaching robot, IRIS, during an event held in Durban by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. The project was formally introduced by Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina as part of broader efforts to expand the role of technology in education.

Developed by local company BSG Technologies, IRIS is programmed to deliver lessons in all 11 official South African languages and is capable of teaching subjects from early schooling through tertiary education. The robot responds to spoken questions and provides interactive explanations, aiming to make classroom learning more accessible in diverse regions of the country.

Thandoh Gumede, founder of BSG Technologies and a former mathematics and science teacher, said the idea for IRIS emerged from her classroom experience. She explained that the company intends to expand deployment of the robot to schools nationwide by October, noting that partnerships with both public and private stakeholders will be critical to scaling the initiative.

Officials emphasized that IRIS is not designed to replace teachers but to complement their work. The robot can assist with clarifying complex concepts, offering real-world examples, and adapting lessons to different linguistic contexts. Training programs will be provided to ensure teachers are prepared to integrate the technology into daily instruction.

At the launch, a demonstration showed a student asking IRIS to explain an accounting principle. The robot responded with a step-by-step breakdown and contextual examples, highlighting its role as a supplemental resource in the classroom.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Gina encouraged young people and women to pursue careers in artificial intelligence and related fields, pointing to government funding opportunities in research and innovation. Education officials described IRIS as part of a growing movement to incorporate digital tools into learning, with gradual nationwide adoption expected in the coming years.