Bart Nnaji: I always rush to my village to relax, enjoy real life

At 70, Professor Bart Nnaji, globally recognized for his pioneering work in robotics, artificial intelligence, and his leadership at Geometric Power Group, finds his most profound moments of relaxation not in boardrooms, but in his village. He describes returning to his roots as a way to reconnect with friends, share stories, and immerse himself in the warmth of community life, valuing these simple pleasures above his international accolades.

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I did not think that I would live past 60 when I went to America as a teenager. I was telling a friend that I expected to die at about 60 because I thought that 60 was too old. I could not imagine people being 60 and still wanting to be around. So, when I turned 60, I was laughing at myself and said “look at you, you have not started.” So, I went past 60 and here I am at 70.

Nnaji, who once thought living past 60 was unlikely, now sees 70 as just a number, especially with his ongoing commitment to the Geometric Power project. He believes that as long as his mind and body remain capable, he must continue his work. This dedication is fueled by a vision for improving Nigeria's power sector, where he highlights the fundamental dependence on gas supply for reliable electricity – a simple, intuitive fact he stresses.

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As long as my brain is still working and I am still able to move around, which God has been very kind, I must continue to work on that project with those who are associated with the project and me.

His early fascination with artificial intelligence, sparked over four decades ago, stemmed from a deep curiosity about how robots function, particularly their 'brains.' Nnaji recalls concentrating on the mathematical and mechanical aspects of robotic hands, the 'roll, pitch, yore' movements, and how these could be defined mathematically before delving into dynamics. This foundational interest in making machines think and perceive, even in simple tasks, has guided his career.

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But gas is the main problem. If we have gas, we have reliable electricity. No gas, no reliable electricity. Just a simple arithmetic. Not even arithmetic but simple intuitive fact.

Nnaji reflects on the sacrifices success has demanded and shares his vision for technology and electricity in Nigeria. He hopes to leave a legacy rooted in pushing the frontiers of science and engineering while remaining grounded in the value of real life and community connection found in his village.

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I was fascinated by robots. And I kept thinking deeper and deeper and deeper about how the robot could work. The main thing about how it will work is the brain of the robot because you have to give it the capacity to think, to see things.