By Duncan Mnisi
In a world increasingly driven by technology, a young South African is making waves with his innovative approach to robotics and AI.
Obrie Shabane, a 22-year-old visionary engineer from Bushbuckridge, has dedicated his life to developing affordable, accessible robotic solutions aimed at tackling real-world challenges in health, security, and education.
Shabane’s journey began in childhood, inspired by his late grandfather—a mechanic and boilermaker—who sparked his curiosity about engineering. Limited resources didn’t deter him; instead, he dismantled toys and electronics to understand how they worked, setting him on a lifelong path of invention.
“My curiosity led me to a deep passion for engineering at a young age,” Obrie explains.
“With limited access to resources, I taught myself by exploring and experimenting.”
His first notable creation was a home-made AI robot named Jarvis, inspired by Iron Man.
Built from scratch, Jarvis served as both a learning tool and a companion, paving the way for Obrie’s subsequent innovations.
Today, he has developed a range of prototypes, including assistive robots, smart home systems, and wearable exoskeletons.
“One of my proudest moments is showing that you don’t need expensive equipment to make robotics work,” he says. “My goal is to create affordable robots that help people in daily life.”
Obrie’s most recognized project is MJ the Robot, a multi-functional AI assistant capable of teaching, detecting illnesses, contacting emergency services, and interacting with people physically.
Currently, his team is working on MJ Version 2—an advanced humanoid robot designed to walk, cook, clean, and engage with humans more naturally.
“MJ has the potential to revolutionize how we assist and care for communities, especially in remote areas,” Obrie notes.
Through his company, MJ Robotic Industries, Obrie collaborates with organizations like Untold Stories from Ekasi and Innovatech, emphasizing youth empowerment through robotics education.
His workshops in schools aim to inspire children to explore coding and electronics, particularly those who may lack access to formal resources.
“We want to show that success can come from passion, innovation, and resilience,” Obrie emphasizes.
“We all have different gifts, but we can all achieve success through different paths.”
Despite challenges, Obrie remains optimistic about the future. “I see robotics becoming a part of everyday life,” he says.
“My long-term vision is to grow MJ Robotics into a hub for young innovators across Africa, creating solutions that are simple, affordable, and impactful.”
His advice to aspiring young engineers is simple: start small, use what you have, and keep learning.
“Every project I build can inspire someone or make life easier for others,” Obrie concludes.
