Silas Adekunle: The Nigerian Robotics Engineer Behind the Gaming Robot MekaMon

Reading time: 6 minutes

When you think of cutting-edge robotics, Silicon Valley or Tokyo may come to mind. But one Nigerian-born engineer, Silas Adekunle, has changed that narrative by creating MekaMon, the world’s first gaming robot that merges robotics with augmented reality. His groundbreaking work positions him as one of Africa’s most exciting innovators, redefining how technology, entertainment, and education intersect.

Early Life and Education

Silas Adekunle was born in Nigeria before moving to the United Kingdom, where his passion for science and technology grew. As a child, he was fascinated by how things worked and often tinkered with mechanical devices.

He pursued Robotics at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), where he honed his skills in engineering, computer programming, and artificial intelligence. His university years laid the foundation for his revolutionary innovation—MekaMon.

Founding Reach Robotics

In 2013, Silas co-founded Reach Robotics, a company that combined advanced robotics with augmented reality gaming. His vision was simple yet revolutionary: to create robots that were not only functional but also engaging and interactive.

The Birth of MekaMon

MekaMon, launched in 2016, was the world’s first gaming robot. Unlike traditional gaming consoles, MekaMon was a four-legged robot that players could control via smartphones, merging physical robotics with augmented reality gameplay.

Key Features of MekaMon

• Augmented Reality Integration: Players could battle their MekaMon robots in both the physical and digital world.

• Modularity: Robots were customizable, allowing upgrades and personalization.

• Educational Potential: Beyond gaming, MekaMon also served as a learning tool for coding and robotics.

Recognition and Achievements

Silas Adekunle’s innovation gained global recognition:

• Partnership with Apple: MekaMon became the first gaming robot sold in Apple stores worldwide.

• Forbes 30 Under 30: Adekunle was featured as one of the brightest young innovators.

• Global Media Spotlight: His story has been highlighted in publications like Forbes, BBC, and The Guardian.

Challenges and Resilience

Despite its groundbreaking innovation, Reach Robotics faced challenges in scaling due to the high costs of consumer robotics. The company eventually closed in 2019. However, Adekunle’s resilience and vision have kept him active in the tech ecosystem, advising startups and focusing on robotics applications in education and industry.

Legacy and Inspiration

Silas Adekunle’s story goes beyond MekaMon. He represents the limitless potential of African innovators to impact global technology. His journey inspires young Africans to dream big in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), proving that innovation from Africa can stand on the world stage.

Conclusion

From a Nigerian boy curious about machines to a globally recognized robotics engineer, Silas Adekunle’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. His creation of MekaMon has not only made waves in the gaming industry but also paved the way for new possibilities in robotics and education.

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