Today's Edition
Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
The Khalifa University Centre for Robotics and Autonomous Systems (KUCARS) is set to showcase its rich portfolio of research projects in the field of robotics at the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2024).
The event is expected to further cement the UAE's position as a global hub for research and innovation in robotics and Al, said Prof. Lakmal Seneviratne, the founding Director of KUCARS at Khalifa University, in an exclusive interview with Aletihad.
Advancing National Goals
Prof. Seneviratne shared insights into the university's pivotal role in this transformative field and its alignment with the UAE's broader goals.
"Robotics and Al play a prominent role in the UAE's national vision for innovation and technological advancement," he said. Prof. Seneviratne added that KUCARS is one of the top robotics research centres in the region with a vibrant community of 80+ multi-disciplinary researchers, state-of-the-art labs, and an established international reputation, "as evidenced by the award to host IROS 2024".
He noted that KUCARS's contributions to research, innovation and education uniquely position it to play a crucial role in advancing the UAE's vision of becoming a technology hub for robotics and AI.
A First in the Middle East
Hosted for the first time in the Middle East by Khalifa University of Science and Technology (Khalifa University), the 36th edition of IROS runs from October 14 to 18, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The event not only marks a significant achievement for Khalifa University but also a defining moment for the UAE's research community.
Prof. Seneviratne said: "IROS has been in operation for 35 years now and this will be the first time IROS will be held in the Middle East and outside Europe, North America and the far east. This is a great achievement for KU and the UAE, and testament to the strong international reputation in robotics at KUCARS."
Sustainability Focus
Sustainability is a key focus area for KUCARS. Prof. Seneviratne noted that IROS 2024 will delve into how robotics and Al can be leveraged to further the UN's 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). KUCARS is currently leading research projects related to robotics and SDGs in areas of food security, smart cities, manufacturing, conservation, ocean monitoring and education, he added.
Innovative Al Applications
According to Prof. Seneviratne, IROS 2024 will also showcase how AI is revolutionising various industries and everyday life, from autonomous vehicles and UAV taxis in transport to robotic surgeons and telemedicine solutions in healthcare, factory automation in manufacturing, home robots for domestic chores, marine robots for underwater exploration, Agri robotics, robotics for smart cities, space rovers, conservation robotics, and climate change mitigation robotics.
"Robotics and Al is the engine of the 4th industrial revolution now underway. These technologies will transform the way we live and work. They will have a wide range of impacts in all spheres of life," said Prof. Seneviratne.
Under the theme "Robotics for Sustainable Development", IROS 2024 will gather researchers, academics, leading corporate majors, and industry professionals from around the globe. The event provides a platform for the international robotics community to exchange knowledge and ideas about the latest advances in intelligent robots and smart machines.
