Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced several advanced technology defense-related innovations developed by a group of UAE National Service Recruits (Al Nokhba-NSRs), are being featured at the International Defense Exhibition & Conference (IDEX 2023), while Master’s students from the university’s Institute of International and Civil Security (IICS) are sharing their perspectives on security issues of importance to the UAE.
The 16th edition of IDEX 2023 and the seventh edition of the Naval Defense and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX 2023) will be held from 20-24 February at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The Khalifa University stand (C4-009) will present several new defense and security sector-related technologies in drones, mobile robots, energy harvesting and voice encryption.
Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University, said: “This year, the participation in IDEX and NAVDEX signifies not only our technology advancements in robotics and drones, but also human capital development, especially through Al Nokhba initiative, for the UAE’s defense and security sector., In addition, our Master’s students are analyzing key historic developments in the region. We believe participation in IDEX 2023 will help us to highlight our research advancements and other achievements vital for the UAE nationals in the defense sector.”
Al Nokhba program aims at building national cadres, qualified to work effectively in advanced science and technology fields including robotics and drones, in addition to engaging the National Service Recruits in developing projects in security and defense, contributing to the military and civil sectors in the UAE.
The innovations from Khalifa University’s group of Al Nokhba-NSRs that are showcased at IDEX 2023 include a multi-purpose autonomous robot (mobile robot) system for aerospace machining applications, a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC-V) based secure flight computer system on chip, an energy harvesting system for mobile power device, encryption of voice on field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a cyber-range for cybersecurity training, a smart all rounded autonomous drone (SARAD), and a robotic maritime security solution.
In addition, the Institute of International and Civil Security (IICS) Master’s student Ali Saif Al Dhaheri is discussing his thesis titled ‘Skill gaps of new Emirati graduates in defense companies’. which examines the degree to which certain skills are missing from new graduates from the perception of defense companies. This research is important to identify whether the skills gap can be closed to make new Emirati engineering graduates even more employable. At the same time, another Master’s student Sarah Abdulwahab Alawadhi is discussing her work on the little examined but important defense diplomatic activities in support of foreign policy undertaken by three GCC states.
This year, IDEX and NAVDEX are introducing IDEX Next-Gen, a space dedicated to startups that will enable entrepreneurs to demonstrate their solutions and technologies in the defense and naval sector to leading figures in the industry. The events will also introduce the Innovation Trail, a focused journey through the exhibition, highlighting the latest products and innovations for the defense and naval community, from the world’s leading brands. Exhibitors will be able to submit their newest and most innovative products and solutions for selection as part of this curated journey, which will attract the interest of thousands of international and local buyers.
Clarence Michael
English Editor Specialist
20 February 2023
