Middlesex University Mauritius Hosts a Japanese Delegation in Robotics, Opening New Opportunities for Students

Middlesex University Mauritius welcomed a delegation from DaraJapan and Wing Robotics, two innovative Japanese companies in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). During their campus visit on November 26, 2025, the partners reaffirmed their commitment through a memorandum of understanding, providing three robots, including ARM Robotics units. These devices were utilized for training activities, demonstrations, and knowledge sharing. This collaboration aligns with a strategic vision to position Middlesex University Mauritius as a leading institution in robotics and engineering in Mauritius, while fostering national and regional discussions about emerging technologies.

This initiative fits with Middlesex University Mauritius's ambition to introduce a teaching model focused on robotics and AI. The goal is to create a sustainable human capital ecosystem where learners evolve into educators and innovators, while facilitating connections between local and international students with Japanese universities, businesses, and engineers. Strengthening its cooperation with Mauritius, Japan offers unique opportunities for Mauritian youth in the IT, AI, and technology sectors through training, skill development, and immersive experiences. DaraJapan has launched an innovative 3 to 6-month program combining video courses, mentoring, and practical projects, culminating in certification.

As part of this initiative, the university organized a high-level academic session that included experiential workshops, expert presentations, and roundtable discussions. Under the theme "Takumi Robotics (Japan-Mauritius): Shaping the Future with AI and Robotics," the session brought together Japanese specialists, Middlesex faculty, and students. On November 27, technical training continued as part of the IMANI Bootcamp, featuring workshops and demonstrations aimed at enhancing the skills of students and university staff. These activities, held in the Robotics Lab, marked the first public demonstration of Japanese robots at a private university in Mauritius.

The IMANI Bootcamp emphasized the Takumi spirit, symbolizing mastery, precision, dedication, and Japanese craftsmanship. Through these immersive sessions, participants familiarized themselves with both the technology and the mindset underlying Japanese engineering, laying the groundwork for a regional hub dedicated to robotics and AI.

"By supporting this national initiative, our ambition is to enhance our leadership in robotics, engineering, and technology-based learning. These workshops and training sessions provided our faculty and students with a unique opportunity to engage directly with Japanese engineers and learn more about the operation, programming, and calibration of robots. These sessions will deepen our students' understanding of industrial robotic engineering, practical robot usage, and insights into the talent market in Japan," stated Professor Mari Jansen Van Rensburg, Vice-Chancellor and Director of Middlesex University Mauritius.

"This approach reinforces our position as a regional leader in teaching cutting-edge technologies while further solidifying our role as a platform for innovation, research, and international cooperation. It complements our BEng and AI & Data Science programs, ensuring our students remain at the forefront of constantly evolving fields. This momentum also aligns with our recruitment campaign, as new students joining us in January will benefit from this enhanced academic environment. We are proud to partner with leading technology organizations to create job opportunities, organize experiential workshops, and share valuable resources across Asia, Africa, and beyond. By introducing practical robotics into traditional higher education, this collaboration not only enables our students to engage with cutting-edge technologies through their STEM modules, but also opens new career perspectives. It is also essential to communicate these advancements to our students, parents, and partners to clearly reflect the impact and transformation we are driving at the university," she added.

These activities reinforce MDX Mauritius's pedagogical approach, which is based on practical learning, providing hands-on experience and equipping students with the skills needed to embrace emerging careers in robotics, automation, and AI. The integration of robots marks a significant step in a long-term partnership, positioning the university as a key player in the technological transformation of higher education in Mauritius.

The exchanges between Middlesex academics and Japanese engineers have been very fruitful, leading to the definition of future collaboration opportunities. During their visit to Mauritius, the Japanese delegation also conducted a two-day training program for local teachers at the Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE), as well as technical workshops on the MDX Mauritius campus. On November 28, Middlesex University Mauritius represented the academic sector at the official closing ceremony of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), alongside Japanese representatives and Mauritian officials.

This initiative demonstrates MDX Mauritius's commitment to investing in practical, forward-looking pedagogy in line with international standards.