Stellenbosch University opened a world of possibilities for young Cape Town high school learners by inviting them to meet and interact with its innovative and first locally produced humanoid robot.
Stellenbosch, South Africa (10 September 2026) – When all you know is only what you ever see in front of you, it can be nearly impossible to imagine a life or future outside your everyday reality. That is why it is so important, especially for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, to create opportunities that allow them to step outside their surroundings, spark their imagination, and expose them to new possibilities that inspire them to dream bigger.
Stellenbosch University recently did just that when it invited learners from Crestway High School in Retreat, along with several surrounding schools, to spend a morning with George, the university’s first locally produced humanoid robot.
Hosted by Prof. Jonathan Jansen, George met learners from Crestway, Hillwood, Square Hill, Paramount, Ocean View, and South Peninsula High, giving them a front-row seat to science in action.
Designed to work in both home and workplace environments, George was built at the SU’s Faculty of Engineering and has been helping students and researchers explore the future of collaborative robotics. Impressively, George can track movements, copy gestures, and even give a thumbs-up!
When instructed to lift his arm and give a thumbs-up, George’s left arm rises in a smooth, mechanical arc, accompanied by the soft whirring of internal mechanisms as his fingers curl into a fist and, after a brief pause, he gives a cool thumbs-up.
The delighted high school learners warmly welcomed George and gasped in awe as he responded to instructions and moved his hands and head.
A collective gasp of “oh wow” rippled through the packed hall as George shared his favourite story, aptly about a robot named Sparky.
The visit was about more than showing off some impressive technology. It was about helping learners imagine what they could one day create.
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“George is not just a robot. He is a glimpse into our future.”
And we’re so glad so many more young people got to experience such innovation, which hopefully left them wonderfully inspired.
Meanwhile, SU’s Dr William Duckitt is already working on George 1.0 – Alfred, named after Batman’s butler. And yes, SU assures this one will have legs!
Sources: Stellenbosch University
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