The Power of Local

WeRobotics emerged as one of the top picks of the FCF Scouting project conducted in the first half of 2023 – qualifying for 3-year Core Support. This choice was based on our meticulously crafted strategy, which defines key criteria such as Technology, Scalability, Africa (SSA), and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 13 and 16. These elements were seamlessly integrated through the lens of Social Entrepreneurship (the “HOW”), all underpinned by a clear dedication to FCF’s overarching “WHY” (founders’ rationale).

In the world of technological advancements, the potential for change, progress, and impact has never been more apparent. However, ensuring that these advancements benefit communities in a sustainable, responsible, and locally driven manner remains a challenge. That’s where WeRobotics come into play: “We amplify the power of local expertise to multiply sustainable solutions for development, aid and climate, driven by local actors and supported by appropriate robotics technologies.”

WHY? Combat Local Challenges

Responsibly and sustainably localizing Tech4Good: WeRobotics has been developing a new framework to ensure that locally led organizations/experts in Africa, Latin America and Asia/Pacific have the know-how and power to drive technology-rich solutions to developmental challenges their local communities care about most. WeRobotics’ Inclusive Network model intentionally limits the power footprint of international NGOs by cultivating respect for the ‘power of local’, and by convening national and regional actors committed to the same work in a shared governance and implementation model.

HOW? Enabling Local Expertise

The crux of WeRobotics’ strategy lies in the co-creation and facilitation of the Flying Labs Network. These independent knowledge hubs serve as pivotal centers that gather and train local experts in utilizing drones, data, robotics, and AI for social good. The approach is bottom-up, allowing local organizations to apply and establish a Flying Lab Hub after careful due diligence by WeRobotics.

Once approved, these hubs have access to capacity strengthening (both on a technology and organizational level), gain visibility and get connected to technology solutions and opportunities, all the while financing themselves through services they provide to local and international clients. To maintain their status, they must actively contribute to the network by sharing use cases, learnings, and knowledge, and collaborating actively.

WHAT? Impactful Sector Programs

WeRobotics has a dual mission; to create a practical example to localize responsibly and sustainably for system innovation (Flying Lab Networks) and to provide this localization model as a replicable model for others to use. The model supports locally led organizations with professional development, knowledge exchange and leadership opportunities, creating a self-sustaining movement for systems change.

Sector programs include:

• Disaster: Enhancing disaster risk reduction, response, and recovery operations through drone deployment.
• Climate & Conservation: Employing drones and data to bolster climate change resilience and address environmental challenges.
• Agriculture: Integrating drones and data into local agriculture initiatives, to support more data-driven farming practices
• STEM/Youth: Stimulating STEM awareness and gender balance through youth-focused STEM programs.
• Health: Using data solutions and drone deliveries to improve public health services in remote areas.
• Development: Proposing innovative solutions for urban and peri-urban development needs, including efficient mapping of settlements and infrastructure.
• Drone Entrepreneurship: Collaborating on “Drones as a Service” entrepreneurship programs to foster local market growth and job creation.

Currently, there are 40 Flying Labs (21 in Africa, 9 in Asia and 10 in Latin America). These hubs play a pivotal role in promoting local expertise, leadership, and solutions across humanitarian, health, development, and environmental domains.

WeRobotics doesn’t just stop at implementing change; it aims to provide a replicable model for responsible localization. By empowering local organizations, offering professional development, and fostering knowledge exchange, WeRobotics lays the groundwork for a self-sustaining movement for systemic change. The collaboration embodies the essence of impactful technological interventions—community-driven, sustainable, and aimed at transforming lives from the ground up.