Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)

Khalifa University is showcasing 23 cutting-edge robotics innovations at the 36th edition of the International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2024), running until October 18 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

With its theme "Robotics for Sustainable Development", the event marks the Middle East and Africa region's first-ever IROS to be held in Abu Dhabi.

Aletihad spoke to several students and faculty members at Khalifa University who showcased an impressive range of robotics and AI solutions across various sectors, including marine, space, telecommunications, computing, transportation, agriculture, and wildlife conservation.

Innovations in Marine Robotics

Aysha Al Shehhi, an industrial PhD student at Khalifa University, is collaborating with the Dubai Future Foundation to design soft robots that mimic aquatic creatures.

Her project exhibited at IROS 2024 is a soft propeller inspired by the propulsion mechanisms of prokaryotic bacteria.

"This propeller is able to swim underwater and grasp objects, allowing for unobtrusive monitoring of aquatic life and the collection of sensitive environmental data," Al Shehhi explained.

Pioneering Space Robotics

PhD graduate Abdallah Alansaari is displaying the prototype of his PhD research - a magnetic levitation system and a CubeSat designed to mimic the space environment, allowing for frictionless rotation along a single axis.

Alansaari's work involves implementing controllers for auto-tuning the performance of satellites, significantly reducing the need for human intervention during operations in space.

Advancements in Wildlife Conservation

Dr. Irfan Hussain, an Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at Khalifa University, introduced the "Houbara Robot", designed for behavioural studies of the endangered Houbara bird in its natural habitat.

"Modelled to resemble a real Houbara, the robot leverages AI to interact with the birds, recording their behaviours and gathering valuable insights into their ecology," he told Aletihad.


Equipped with various sensors, the robot includes cameras for video recording, microphones for sound capture, and mechanisms for generating motions such as feeding actions and neck movements, Hussain explained. Its locomotion capabilities allow it to approach wild Houbara, distinguishing between males and females, and simulating their behaviours to encourage natural interactions, he added.

According to Hussain, the bio-mimicking approach, supported by AI algorithms, allows researchers to analyse real-time responses, enhancing conservation efforts for this vulnerable species.

Revolutionising Rehabilitation with Exoskeletons

Noureldin Elhendawi, a Research Engineer at Khalifa University, showcased a lower limb exoskeleton designed to assist individuals with stroke-related impairments in performing daily activities such as walking, sitting, standing, and even carrying heavy loads.

This exoskeleton is particularly beneficial for those with knee issues, but it can also support healthy individuals by aiding movement and providing stability, he noted.

Elhendawi's work includes two versions of the exoskeleton: a compliant version that allows stiffness adjustments for patient comfort, and a lightweight version made from 3D-printed materials with fixed stiffness. Both models use deep learning technology to detect user intentions via EEG sensors, translating brain signals into movement commands.

Additionally, Elhendawi presented a voice-controlled gripper, designed for individuals who struggle with mobility and gripping. This device, which resembles an index finger, connects to a mobile application for enhanced usability.

AI in Sustainable Agriculture

Aletihad also spoke to Dr. Muhammad Owais, a Postdoctoral Fellow at Khalifa University focused on sustainable agricultural practices through advanced AI and robotics.

"My research aims to create innovative solutions for sustainable farming in the UAE," he said. Owais exhibited two notable products: a robotic handheld device that assesses fruit ripeness without causing damage and the Agritech robot, designed to analyse large open fields.

The handheld device allows users to determine fruit readiness through tactile sensing, capturing images processed by AI models. Meanwhile, the Agritech robot employs drones to scan fields, providing precise information about crop readiness and yield.

This technology significantly enhances the accuracy of agricultural assessments, particularly for high-value crops like blueberries, where traditional methods fall short, according to Owais.