AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)

The Global AI Show, a gathering of top-tier AI innovators, industry leaders, and policymakers showcasing the future of artificial intelligence, commenced in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Held under the theme “AI 2031: Accelerating Intelligent Futures”, the two-day event at Space42 Arena, Abu Dhabi, explores the rapid transformation brought about by AI.

Participants, including startups and universities, highlighted AI’s growing role across technology, cybersecurity, healthcare, government services and education sectors, and took part in in-depth sessions on its applications.

Among the participants is the Center for AI and Robotics (CAIR) at New York University Abu Dhabi, which showcased their research in multidisciplinary robotics and autonomous systems.

Nikolaos Giakoumidis, CAIR’s Commercial Lead for AI & Robotics, said the centre’s work unites experts from several fields to create machines with sophisticated perception and motor skills.

“Our goal is to combine robotics and artificial intelligence to build a body-intelligent machine that can perceive, see and act in the physical world and solve real-world challenges,” he said.

Giakoumidis emphasised that several robots on display are capable of autonomous inspections, supporting predictive maintenance and identifying equipment malfunctions in industrial settings.

He noted that these devices rely on cutting-edge payloads, such as infrared cameras, sound-sensing systems, and sophisticated algorithms that allow them to navigate difficult terrain and obstacles independently.

The centre’s strategy integrates drones, quadrupeds, and humanoids into a broader multi-platform ecosystem.

“We want to see our research solving real problems,” he said, adding that students are actively involved under the guidance of their lecturers to apply these innovations in real industries.

The event also featured discussions on how AI is reshaping education and the skills needed in a digital economy.

Hyunjin Kim, Professor of strategy at INSEAD Business School, said that while AI is a powerful facilitator, its impact depends on how educators choose to use it.

“One of the major issues is that when you use AI to provide students with solutions, they might improve their test scores in the short term, but they may not learn in the long run,” she said. Instead, she sees AI’s potential as “a learning coach”, helping students strengthen their critical thinking, questioning and comprehension.

According to Kim, this shift necessitates a complete overhaul of instructional strategies.

“It’s about moving away from asking students for answers and towards teaching them how to learn, how to inquire, and how to build deeper comprehension,” she added.

The Abu Dhabi event, says Kim, is a remarkable venue bringing together international technologists, policymakers, and researchers at the forefront of artificial intelligence.

“I’m really happy to be a part of these sessions.”