RABI HAMAMSAH (ABU DHABI)
The 6th edition of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition & Conference (UMEX) / SimTEX 2024 returned on Monday with new innovations and the latest technologies regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in drones, robotics, components, and unmanned systems.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, the event is taking place from January 22 to 25 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
The Conference witnessed several panel discussions on Monday discussing the present and the future of unmanned systems in civil and military applications. One of the panel discussions, titled ''Harnessing Disruptive Technologies: The True Potential of Technological Advancements of Unmanned Systems'', focused on the future of unmanned systems and how to harness all kinds of technologies to develop unmanned systems and machines.
The panel expanded more on the technologies empowering unmanned systems, with R&D specialists and industry professionals examining new technologies and their impact on future smart systems.
Among the panellists was Dr. Ray O. Johnson, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi, who told Aletihad that nowadays, unmanned systems have become an integral part of daily life, from economic to social applications.
''The advantages they offer are endless in the military, aviation, and healthcare fields. Adopting to unmanned systems and learning more about their functions are very important to develop them so that we can benefit the most from the services they offer.
''Advanced learning technologies will become even more critical. This will be exponential in terms of system functionality, where more fast development and the deployment of unmanned systems will begin to take place. This means having access to best-in-class technologies quickly and affordably,'' he added.
The panel discussion also touched upon unmanned maritime systems (UMS) and the concepts of automation and autonomy, where other panellists discussed the future of UMS operations, which have largely consisted of a vehicle being programmed upon launch and embarking upon operations with a specific mission plan.
Stanislas Gourlez de La Motte, Navy Advisor to the Chairman and CEO of the Naval Group in France, said during the panel that future of UMS will witness rapid changes and advanced developments, as AI is adequately applied.
Dr. Fan Zhu, CTO at Bayanat Company in the UAE, said during the panel that the true potential of the technological advancements of unmanned systems comes from harnessing all available technologies, with AI playing a pivotal role in this regard.