Born: 1973 (Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo)
Biography:
Thérèse Izay Kirongozi, born on June 3, 1973, is a renowned Congolese industrial engineer. She gained recognition for her groundbreaking work in designing and implementing traffic robots in Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kirongozi’s robots were initially deployed in two locations in Kinshasa towards the end of 2013 and have since expanded to include five robots in Kinshasa and one in Lubumbashi by 2015. The use of robots as traffic lights may be unique to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kirongozi was born and raised in Kinshasa, Zaire, which is now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo. She exhibited an early interest in traffic safety, which was sparked by a traumatic experience when she witnessed her brother being crushed by a vehicle. This personal tragedy fueled Kirongozi’s determination to develop a solution to address the rampant traffic violations and lack of enforcement on the roads.
After completing her primary and secondary education in Kinshasa, Kirongozi pursued undergraduate studies at the Higher Institute of Applied Techniques. It was during this time that she first conceived the idea of using robots to regulate traffic. Collaborating with a few of her peers, Kirongozi envisioned a system that would ensure accountability and eradicate corruption in traffic law enforcement. By incorporating robots into the equation, she believed that the state could not only enforce traffic rules but also generate revenue to fund future infrastructure development.
Kirongozi’s vision became a reality through the establishment of Women’s Technology (Wotech), an association that she heads. Through Wotech, Kirongozi spearheaded the manufacturing of humanoid traffic robots. The first-generation robots were commissioned in 2013 at a cost of approximately $15,000 each. The latest generation, unveiled on March 4, 2015, cost around $27,500 per unit. These robots, weighing 250 kg and standing at 2.5 meters tall, are constructed from aluminum to withstand the equatorial climate of Kinshasa.
Solar panels placed on top of the robots provide them with autonomy, making them independent of electrical power. This feature is particularly advantageous in areas of Kinshasa with limited or no access to electricity. Additionally, the aluminum construction ensures durability in the face of high temperatures, humidity, and heavy rainfall that characterize the equatorial climate.
The humanoid traffic robots are designed to mimic the actions of human traffic officers. They can rotate their chest and raise their arms to halt vehicles in one direction and allow traffic flow in another. Some of the robots are equipped with pedestrian detection capabilities and programmed to communicate with pedestrians, indicating when it is safe to cross the road. To enhance road safety awareness, the robots also sing a song that reinforces the principles of road traffic when pedestrians are waiting to cross.
Kirongozi’s ultimate objective is to implement the humanoid traffic robots throughout Kinshasa. However, experts suggest that mobilizing additional resources and support will be essential to achieving this goal. Nevertheless, her innovative work has already had a significant impact on traffic regulation and enforcement, not only in Kinshasa but potentially across the entire Democratic Republic of Congo.
Although Kirongozi’s contribution to society has primarily been in the field of engineering and traffic safety, her ingenuity and determination serve as an inspiration to women everywhere. Breaking through gender barriers in a male-dominated field, she has demonstrated how women can make significant advancements and create positive change on both local and national levels. By revolutionizing traffic regulation and embodying the importance of accountability, Thérèse Kirongozi has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the history of women’s contributions to society.