DiscoverWitness History'Robocops’ in the Democratic Republic of Congo
'Robocops’ in the Democratic Republic of Congo

'Robocops’ in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Update: 2024-10-11
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After the death of her brother, engineer Thérèse Izay Kirongozi got to work handmaking huge robots to direct traffic and save lives.

In 2013 they were installed on the streets of Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

They have green lights on their hands, a red light in their chest, can turn around and live stream to a police control centre, they also sing when children cross the road.

You might also see the ‘female’ robots wearing skirts, make-up and hoop earrings.

Thérèse speaks to Megan Jones about her invention.

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'Robocops’ in the Democratic Republic of Congo

'Robocops’ in the Democratic Republic of Congo

BBC World Service