In March 7-8, 2019, the Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, in collaboration with the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), IEEE Africa Council and the International Journal of Mechatronics, Electrical and Computer Technology (IJMEC)-Austria held the 1st International Conference on Mechatronics, Automation and Cyber-Physical Computer Systems (MAC-2019) at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, with the theme “Boundless Opportunities of Smart Computing, Automation and Robotics in Nigeria”.

The Conference had 6 Keynote/Guest speaker and 60 technical papers on the following Sub-themes which were presented and deliberated: Power Systems Applications and Embedded Designs, Computational Intelligence, Machine Learning & Security, and Emerging Technologies, Biotechnology, Robotics & Automation.

The opening ceremony was chaired by Engr. Prof. G. I. Nwandikom (Dean, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SEET), & Dean of Schools, FUTO). The Vice-Chancellor was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I), Prof. Bede Anusionwu.  Also, present at the conference include: Prof. Gloria. A. Chukwudebe, (Chair, IEEE Africa Area and Pro-tem Chair IEEE Africa Council); Engr. Prof. Abiodun Musa, AIBINU, a professor of Mechatronics Engineering at Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINA); Engr. Prince John Oyewole Funso-Adebayo (IEEE SIGHT, Region 8), an expert in Renewable Energy and Mobile broadband/Vice-Chair, IEEE Nigeria Section) ; Engr. Dr. Mbonu, Ekene Samuel, (a former Senior R&D Engineer at Electronics Development Institute, Awka, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure); Engr. Dr. Ozoemena Ani, (Pioneer Head of Mechatronics Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and Engr. Emmanuel Ayegba, the CEO and Lead Researcher at A1 TRONIX R&D LABS, Nigeria  were the special guests at MAC-2019.

Other dignitaries present at MAC-2019 include: Dr. (Mrs) I.E, Achumba (Head of Department, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, FUTO); Engr. Dr. Obi Nwokonkwo (Head of Department, Information Technology, FUTO), Dr. (Mrs) E.C. Nwokorie (Head of Department, Computer Science), and several other academics from various Universities in Nigeria.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Gloria. A. Chukwudebe on the topic-“Boundless Opportunities of Smart Computing, Automation and Robotics in Nigeria”. Engr. Prince John Oyewole Funso-Adebayo, presented on “Fast tracking SDGS through SIGHT Initiatives in Africa – A Place for Mechatronics”; Prof. Abiodun Musa Aibinu gave an inspiring talk on “Spiritual Intelligence, Mechatronics and Economic Prosperity in Nigeria as well as Acado-Preneurship and Technology Innovations”; Dr. Ozoemena Ani, from UNN, Nigeria gave a talk on “Mechatronics and Autonomous Systems for Agriculture”; Dr. Ekene Mbonu, presented on “Practical Mechatronics and Security Automation in Nigeria”, while Engr. Emmanuel Ayegba from Bourbon Interoil Nig LTD, (Maritime Oil & Gas servicing) & CEO A1TRONIX R&D LABS, Nigeria delivered a professional workshop on CAD CAM and Process Automation for Manufacturing Systems in Africa.  

Goodwill Message was delivered by Engr. Dr. F. I. Izuegbunam (General Conference Chair & Ag. Head, Mechatronics Engineering, FUTO), and Engr. Raphael Onoshakpor, (IEEE Nigeria Section Chair) represented by Dr. Mrs Achumba, (IEEE Nigeria Section Secretary).

An indigenous Mechatronics project presentation on CNC Router prototype was demonstrated by the CEO of A1 TRONIX R&D LABs, Nigeria, Engr. Emmanuel Ayegba.  Engr. Funsho, (IEEE Region 8 & Vice-Chair IEEE Nigeria Section) carried out a workshop on IEEE Special Interest on Humanitarian Technology (IEEE-SIGHT) as a tool for fast-tracking sustainable development in Nigeria. A 400-level student of Mechatronics Engineering Department, FUTO, Mr. Azu Prince Tojah also presented an invention on Smart Intruder Security Door Lock system for vulnerable environment.

Link to all certificates

Link to presentations

Link to Videos