A memorable performance from Alphonsus Adu-Bredu in 2014 made him a household name in the OWASS 2014 NSMQ team. His perfect match with Reuben Duti sent chills down the spines of opponents. St. Peter’s SHS, Keta SHTS and Tema Secondary School were some of the schools that felt the heat of Opoku Ware School’s magical duo on their way to the Semi-finals where they were eliminated by Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS).
Alphonsus appears on the first episode of the 2023 edition of the NSMQ Live Chat Show on Thursday, 9th February 2023, close to a decade after his appearance on the NSMQ.
Having developed a passion for robotics, Alphonsus will take us through the rigorous demands of the world of robotics, and the successes he has chalked along the way!
A Profile of Alphonsus Adu-Bredu and his Robotics Journey so far
Alphonsus Adu-Bredu is a highly accomplished PhD candidate at the Robotics Institute of the University of Michigan, where he is making significant contributions to the field of robotics. His research focuses on the integration of task planning and optimal control techniques to enhance the capabilities of bipedal humanoid robots for use in domestic environments. He aims to enable these robots to perform practical mobile manipulation tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and even playing with children.
Alphonsus has a strong background in engineering and computer science, which has equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle the complex challenges of his research. Prior to his PhD studies, he obtained his undergraduate degree at Tufts University, where he majored in Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science. This solid foundation in both subjects has allowed him to develop cutting-edge techniques for integrating task planning and control, which are crucial for enabling humanoid robots to perform useful tasks.
His work has garnered significant attention and recognition from the academic community. He was awarded the Qualcomm Innovation Fellowship 2022, which is given to top PhD students pursuing cutting-edge research in the field of robotics. In addition, Alphonsus was honoured with the Best Paper award in Mobile Manipulation at IROS 2021, a premier international conference on intelligent robots and systems. These awards are a testament to the impact and importance of his research and reflect the high regard in which notable persons and institutions in the field hold him.
Alphonsus is also a proud alumnus of Opoku Ware School, where he developed his passion for science and technology. He attended the school from 2011 to 2014 and was privileged to represent the school in the 2014 edition of the National Science & Math Quiz, showcasing his talent and potential at a young age.
In addition to his research, Alphonsus is deeply committed to advancing the field of robotics and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. He regularly gives talks and presentations on his work and is always eager to share his knowledge and experience with others. He is also dedicated to mentoring and advising young scientists and engineers and is known for his approachable and supportive demeanour.
Alphonsus Adu-Bredu is a talented and dedicated researcher who is making significant contributions to the field of robotics. His passion for science and technology, combined with his expertise in mechanical engineering and computer science, make him a rising star in the area. He is widely recognized for his groundbreaking research and innovative techniques and is poised to make even more significant contributions in the years to come.
The #NSMQLiveChat is a LIVE virtual conversation featuring some of the most notable names on the NSMQ Stage since its inception. Every fortnight on Thursdays, we spotlight and interact with the myriad of brilliant minds who have made the NSMQ the programme we all love and enjoy.
