In the world of cutting-edge robotics and immersive gaming, one name has risen above the rest: Silas Adekunle. A Nigerian-born robotics engineer and entrepreneur, Adekunle defied traditional expectations to create a product that not only reimagined interactive entertainment but also permanently altered the global robotics landscape. With unprecedented innovation, strategic partnerships, and a journey that spans continents, Adekunle stands tall as one of the most influential technologists of his generation.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition
Silas Adekunle was born in Nigeria before moving to the United Kingdom as a young boy. Immersed in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) from an early age, he was fascinated with how machines worked and dreamed of building technology that could wow the world. He later pursued higher education at the University of the West of England, where he graduated with a first-class degree in Robotics – a milestone that marked the beginning of his extraordinary journey.
While still in university, Adekunle, along with co-founders Chris Beck and John Rees, established Reach Robotics in 2013 – a startup dedicated to pushing the boundaries of robotics and interactive play. Their ultimate goal was to bridge the gap between physical robotics and digital gaming in a way that had never been done before.
MekaMon: The First Intelligent Gaming Robot
The centerpiece of Adekunle’s work was MekaMon — a four-legged, intelligent gaming robot that blended real-world robotics with augmented reality (AR) capabilities. Far removed from a traditional toy or static machine, MekaMon could walk, react, and be controlled through a smartphone or tablet. It brought video game strategies off the screen and into everyday spaces, allowing users to experience immersive robotic battles in their living rooms, classrooms, or offices.
The robot featured advanced sensors, thoughtful engineering, and clever integration between physical movement and digital gameplay. Users could not only interact with the robot but also program and customize its behavior — making it both an entertainment device and an educational tool.
A Sensational Launch and Immediate Market Impact
When MekaMon officially launched in 2017, it made an immediate splash. Reach Robotics produced a limited release of 500 units in its first batch — and sold out completely. The initial availability of MekaMon generated approximately $7.5 million in revenue, a remarkable achievement for a newly introduced hardware product in a competitive global market.
This early success sparked international interest and positioned MekaMon as more than just a robot — it was a symbol of innovation, curiosity, and STEM empowerment. Tech journalists, gaming enthusiasts, and educational advocates alike hailed the product for its unique blend of fun and learning potential.
Strategic Investment and Industry Validation
Following its successful launch, Reach Robotics attracted substantial investor attention. In 2017, the startup announced a significant fundraising round led by London Venture Partners, securing millions in funding that expanded the company’s research, development, and global distribution capabilities. This investment was a testament to the commercial viability and forward-thinking design of MekaMon.
The funding also helped Reach Robotics scale operations and bring more creative talent into the fold, allowing Adekunle and his team to rapidly iterate on their technology. It was a pivotal moment that transformed the company from a university startup into a serious contender in global robotics innovation.
Apple Partnership: A Global Distribution Breakthrough
Arguably the most influential chapter in Adekunle’s professional story came when Apple Inc. took notice of MekaMon’s technological promise. In late 2017, Reach Robotics signed an exclusive distribution partnership with Apple, enabling MekaMon to be sold in Apple Stores across the United States and the United Kingdom and through Apple’s official online platforms.
Apple’s deal was more than a commercial win — it served as an endorsement from one of the world’s most powerful technology brands, confirming that MekaMon was a world-class product. Apple priced the robotic system at around $300 per unit, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers, from tech enthusiasts to families looking for innovative educational tools.
This distribution strategy dramatically broadened MekaMon’s reach and placed Adekunle’s creation on the shelves of one of the most globally recognized technology retailers. It was an extraordinary accomplishment for a product designed by an African founder.
Recognition, Awards, and Influence
Silas Adekunle’s ingenuity didn’t just earn him financial success — it also garnered widespread recognition. He was featured on Forbes’ prestigious “30 Under 30 Europe: Technology” list, which highlights the most impactful young innovators across multiple industries. His work also led to inclusion among the Financial Times’ “Top 100 Minority Ethnic Leaders in Technology”, establishing his stature as a global technology leader.
These accolades underscore Adekunle’s position as a thought leader in robotics, engineering, and entrepreneurship — and demonstrate how his innovations are reshaping perceptions of African talent on the global stage.
Challenges, Evolution, and Continued Impact
Despite early achievements and major partnerships, the consumer robotics industry presented difficult challenges. In 2019, Reach Robotics announced the closure of its operations due to structural limitations in scaling hardware production and distribution. Yet this did not mark the end of Adekunle’s ambitions — only a new beginning.
After Reach’s closure, Adekunle shifted his focus toward broader applications of robotics and AI. He founded Awarri, a company dedicated to building advanced technology infrastructure for Africa — from AI educational tools to local language digital models designed to democratize access to frontier technologies. His work continues to inspire a new generation of innovators across the continent and beyond.
Legacy: More Than a Robot
Silas Adekunle’s story is far more than that of a successful product launch — it’s the narrative of vision, perseverance, and global influence. From his humble roots in Nigeria to signing major deals with powerhouse companies, his journey illustrates how ambition combined with world-class innovation can change industries.
MekaMon may have been his first major breakthrough, but Adekunle’s ongoing work continues to impact robotics education, industrial automation technology, and AI evolution worldwide. His legacy resonates not just through one product but through the countless minds he’s inspired — particularly in Africa — to pursue careers in technology and engineering.
Conclusion: A Global Robotics Icon
Today, Silas Adekunle stands as a symbol of possibility. A young Nigerian innovator who built a robot that reached consumers across continents, raised substantial venture capital backing, and secured one of the most esteemed technology partnerships in history — his story is more than inspirational, it’s transformational.
His journey continues to remind us that innovation knows no borders, and that brilliant ideas, when nurtured and executed with excellence, can change the world.
0 Comments