Robotics is a powerful technology poised to have a disruptive societal impact. Potential robotic applications are ubiquitous and robotics technology has huge economic potential. This is reflected in the unprecedented interest and investments in robotics research and development worldwide, including the UAE. Khalifa University (KU) created a Robotics Institute (KURI) in 2012. Since then, KURI has developed into one of the top robotics labs in the region and is fast gaining a strong international reputation. KURI has state of the art research labs with over 25 dedicated faculty, staff, and graduate students, and has established strong collaborations with local industry. KURI played the leading role in designing and launching the very successful MBZIRC in 2017. Building on this track record and momentum, the proposed Khalifa University Center for Autonomous Robotic Systems (KUCARS), will integrate robotics and computer vision related research activities in the three campuses of KU, bringing together 24 faculty, to address some of the cutting edge R&D challenges in robotics. Based on existing strengths and UAE-based stakeholder interests, KUCARS will focus on three frontier robotics application themes: infrastructure inspection, extreme environments, and industrial applications. KUCARS has the vision to be amongst the top robotics labs in the world within the next five years.
The core mission of KUCARS will include, carrying out world class research and development in robotics as evidenced by high-quality research outputs, focusing on robotics based innovation leading to entrepreneurial activities, engaging with local and international industry to tackle high-impact societal problems, and developing human capacity in the UAE to support this vital economic sector.
