The smart machine was made for the poorest and most distant places in the world. Now, it’s being used in more countries like Pakistan, India, and Tanzania. It all started in Zambia.
In Lagos, Nigeria, Kehinde Olutubosun, who cannot see, loves learning about geography and animals. But without a smartphone, it’s hard for him to find information. Now, things are changing because of a special mobile phone powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). This phone doesn’t need the internet to work, which is great for places with no internet access.
The service, created by a company called Viamo in Canada, was launched in Nigeria recently. It lets anyone, even in remote areas without internet, use AI technology. Viamo connects to regular mobile networks using basic phones to send messages or make calls to get information. It’s like talking to other AI chatbots, and even people who can’t read can use it because it responds to voice commands. Plus, it’s cheaper to use.
Olutubosun is happy about this because even people who don’t have much money can use it. They can spend as little as 10 naira to ask many questions that help them. Viamo’s goal is to help the poorest and most isolated communities worldwide. They’re planning to introduce this service in Pakistan, India, and Tanzania after starting in Zambia. Viamo gets support from development agencies in the US, UK, and other places. UNICEF is teaming up with Viamo to give information about HIV, diseases, nutrition, and clean water to people who need it.
