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Falcon monitoring challenge unites tech, conservation

IROS 2024 fosters collab between AI innovators and wildlife experts to protect species

 

In recent years, the field of wildlife conservation has seen advancements driven by technology and artificial intelligence. From drone surveillance to camera traps and data management tools, these innovations are transforming how we monitor and protect endangered species while prioritising non-invasive methods.

 

In the wild, these advanced techniques must effectively rub shoulders with traditional practices and the people who implement them, ensuring we respect natural habitats.

 

It is crucial that we recognise this synergy, as a significant gap remains between tech innovators and traditional conservationists — one that the Falcon Monitoring Challenge in the 36th edition of the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2024), in Abu Dhabi — has the potential to bridge.

 

Traditional conservationists possess invaluable knowledge about
ecosystems, species behaviour, and the intricacies of habitat management and their experience is essential for developing effective preservation strategies. Yet, they often operate within constraints, relying on methods that can be outdated or invasive. On the other hand, innovators possess the tools to gather and analyse data, often lacking the ecological context and understanding of wildlife needs.

 

Falcon Monitoring Challenge The Falcon Monitoring Challenge, part of IROS 2024 being held from 14-18 October 2024 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), presents a unique opportunity to foster collaboration. By bringing together robotics experts, computer vision specialists, and seasoned conservationists, the challenge encourages a dialogue that can lead to innovative solutions tailored to the needs of wildlife conservation in the UAE and the world.

 

Participants at the Challenge will design, develop, and deploy sophisticated non-invasive systems to track the movement of falcons, within a large enclosure, promoting innovation in wildlife monitoring technology. The challenge will take place in a purpose-built arena in Abu Dhabi during IROS 2024 where the full challenge includes prototyping the solution with hardware and custom software.

 

Participants can also take part in a partial challenge where teams or individuals propose custom software using cameras to monitor falcons in realistic and dynamic environments, focusing on precision, innovation, and the ability to analyse complex behaviours.

 

Leverage cutting-edge technology
The challenge could result in robots designed to track falcons in real-time, which can help wildlife biologists understand the bird’s hunting patterns and social dynamics. Such a partnership can yield technologies that are not only advanced but aligned with the ecological realities that conservationists face every day.

 

A prime example of this progress can be seen at Khalifa University, which has made significant contributions to wildlife conservation through its innovative research and interdisciplinary approach. Faculty members are actively engaged in projects that leverage cutting-edge technology to monitor ecosystems and protect the houbara species.

 

By collaborating with the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), Khalifa University focuses on scientific research and training including robotics, intelligent systems, genetics and genomics in breeding projects, implementing practical solutions to conservation challenges.

 

Khalifa University’s commitment to world-class learning and research fosters a new generation of conservationists, equipped with the skills necessary to address the complexities of wildlife preservation in a rapidly changing world.

By allowing tech developers to gain insights into the on-ground challenges faced by conservationists, the challenge also serves as a platform for shared learning through several workshops, seminars, exhibitions and conferences at IROS 2024.

 

When conservationists are actively involved in the design and
implementation of technological tools, they are more likely to advocate for their use and ensure that these innovations are employed ethically and responsibly.

 

As we face unprecedented biodiversity loss, we must harness the strengths of innovation and traditional methods to create a comprehensive approach to wildlife preservation. The Falcon Monitoring Challenge at IROS 2024 represents a critical step in this direction, and it is imperative we unite these two vital forces for conservation.

 

Dr. Hamad Karki is the Competitions Local Chair at IROS 2024
Competitions Technical Committee and Associate Professor at the
Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Khalifa University.

 

Source: Gulf News

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KUCARS set to showcase rich portfolio of research projects at IROS 2024

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 revolutionizing 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.

 

Source: Aletihad News Center

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Mubadala Investment Company, EGA, Strata and Khalifa University partner to develop UAE’s first national high temperature materials laboratory and research programme 

Mubadala Investment Company and Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) outside oil and gas, Strata Manufacturing Company and Khalifa University of Science and Technology, a leading research-intensive higher education institution signed an agreement to develop the UAE’s first-of-its-kind national laboratory and research programme including high temperature materials.

 

This state-of-the-art facility will be located at Khalifa University’s Main Campus in Abu Dhabi and is expected to significantly expand high temperature materials research in the UAE both for practical applications in industry and academic study. Currently, research in high temperature materials for institutions and the industries in the UAE can only be conducted abroad.

 

The goal is to build long-term strategic partnerships where academia and industry are proactively engaged and committed to success in collaborative and multidisciplinary advanced R&D efforts. EGA expects to use the laboratory and programme for practical research into refractories, carbon-based materials, anode baking furnaces, and waste.

 

EGA’s research is expected to focus on capturing and recovering heat energy generated from the company’s industrial processes, improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In aluminium smelting, approximately half of all energy is lost as waste heat.  Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “At EGA, one of our core values is to continuously improve our business and operations through innovation. This new state-of-the-art laboratory and research programme will strengthen the UAE’s position as a leader in industrial technology development and drive forward the country’s Operation 300bn industrial growth strategy. For EGA, it means we can conduct even more of our practical research here in the UAE, solving challenges locally and contributing to the UAE’s research capabilities. I look forward to some ground-breaking results from this collaboration.”

 

His Excellency Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said: “We are glad to see the enduring and fruitful relationship with Emirates Global Aluminium, Mubadala Investment Company, and Strata. Manufacturing remains cemented through the development of capability and capacity at Khalifa University. The trust of the industry in Khalifa University to provide localized solutions and adapt to their unique industrial challenges is a testament to the advanced and applied research competencies that the university offers. This achievement is a result of over a decade of collaboration with our industrial partners, which has enabled us to build capacity and gain a deeper understanding of industrial needs. Today, we are cementing that trust and confidence from the industry by localizing research, development, and innovation in the UAE. We look forward to seeing industries across the region and globally follow suit as we continue to provide tailored solutions and adapt to industry trends.”

 

Mubadala Investment Company is committed to launching advanced R&D programs aimed at developing capabilities in areas critical to Mubadala and of national priority. Priority will be given to applied research and providing solutions in areas of critical technical need. Additionally, we it aims to develop capable UAE scientists, technologists, and innovators for careers in R&D. 

 

EGA is committed to reaching net zero by 2050 in line with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, and has a roadmap to decarbonise its operations.

 

EGA has worked for more than a decade with other industries in the UAE to find productive uses for by-products from aluminium production. EGA has already developed re-uses for many waste streams from its industrial activities, including bauxite residue, spent pot lining, carbon dust and dross.

 

EGA’s technology and development team works extensively with universities in both the UAE and internationally, with academic partnerships that include Khalifa University, the American University of Sharjah, Rochester Institute of Technology, Abu Dhabi University and American University in Dubai in the UAE, as well as the University of Auckland, University of New South Wales, and MIT. 

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36th Edition of IROS to Open Tomorrow in Abu Dhabi 

MENA Region’s First-Ever Conference and Exhibition on Robotics Technology Attracts Several Thousand Scientists, Researchers, Industry Leaders and Government Stakeholders 

 

Khalifa University of Science and Technology announced the 36th edition of the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2024), Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s first-ever global conference, is opening in Abu Dhabi tomorrow, to highlight the rapidly advancing capabilities in the robotics and intelligent transport systems in the region. 

 

Supported by the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau and others, IROS 2024, which is running from 14-18 October 2024 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), has gathered several thousand researchers, academics, leading corporate majors, and industry professionals from across the globe. One of the largest and most important robotics research conferences in the world, IROS 2024 is themed ‘Robotics for Sustainable Development’ and provides a platform for the international robotics community to exchange knowledge and ideas about the latest advances in intelligent robots and smart machines. Four plenary and more than 20 keynote speakers will focus on various robotics fields. 

 

Several oral and poster presentations will exemplify the latest trends in the evolving robotics technology fields as leading researchers and industry experts present a total of 3,753 papers, representing 60 countries, of which more than 1,000 papers are from China, 777 from the US, 302 from Germany, 253 from Japan, and the UK and South Korea with 173 each. With a total of 68 papers, the UAE remains top in the Arab region. A total of 13 forums, along with eight global-level competitions and challenges covering various aspects of robotics and AI, an IROS Expo, as well as an exclusive Career Fair will also be part of IROS 2024. 

 

The next generation of sustainable robotics will be the focus of the conference and exhibition. A major component of the conference will be the exhibits of the latest robotics technologies and products, while poster sessions, keynotes, panel discussions, and networking events are also lined up for the major international conference. 

 

The event is sponsored by IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, the Robotics Society of Japan (RSJ), the Society of Instrument and Control Engineers (SICE), the New Technology Foundation, and the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society (IES). 

 

The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) of Abu Dhabi is a strategic sponsor for IROS 2024 while Astribot, and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) are Platinum sponsors. The Dubai Future Foundation and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence are gold sponsors, while NOKOV Motion Capture Company and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) are silver sponsors. The Beijing Institute of Technology is the University partner. DEEP Robotics and ITT Project Management Services will join the 12 startups that will showcase their robotics innovations. 

 

More information at https://iros2024-abudhabi.org/ 

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Distinguished Innovators and Thought Leaders to Deliver Keynotes and Plenary Sessions at the 36th IROS in Abu Dhabi

Speakers to Focus on Human-Robot Collaboration, Multi-Robot Systems, Embodiment of AI and Bio-mechanics/Neuroscience, and Security Strategies for Next Generation of Robotics

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced an impressive array of thought leaders and innovation experts in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence are lined up for the plenary and keynote sessions during the 36th edition of the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2024) in Abu Dhabi, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region’s first-ever global conference.

 

Themed ‘Robotics for Sustainable Development’ IROS 2024 will run from 14-18 October 2024 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), and highlight the region’s rapidly advancing capabilities in the robotics and intelligent transport systems. Four plenary and more than 20 keynote speakers will focus on human-robot collaboration, Multi-Robot Systems, Embodiment of AI and Biomechanics/Neuroscience, and the Security Strategies for the Next Generation of Robotics.

 

The keynote speakers will focus on drone racing, speeding up flying machines through agility and collaboration, drones for environmental health, safe learning in autonomous systems, bio-robotics, applied artificial intelligence, TelecomGPT, (soft) robot control, crossmodal learning, beyond lingual and visual intelligence, competitions including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) challenges, and translation of technologies from lab to market.

 

IROS 2024 has gathered several thousand researchers, academics, leading corporate majors, and industry professionals from across the globe. One of the largest and most important robotics research conferences in the world, IROS 2024 is themed ‘Robotics for Sustainable Development’ and provides a platform for the international robotics community to exchange knowledge and ideas about the latest advances in intelligent robots and smart machines.

 

Dr. Jorge Dias, General Chair, IROS 2024, said: “The assorted array of speakers for the plenary sessions and keynote talks IROS 2024 represent thought leadership in robotics and artificial intelligence as well as breakthrough innovations. The diverse topics these experts cover will indicate the direction in which this rapidly-evolving technology and the industry will be heading during the coming decades. We believe the large gathering of global scientists, academics, researchers, industry leaders and government stakeholders will benefit from the perspectives these speakers will share during the knowledge exchange.”

 

With a total of over 3,500 submissions, oral and poster presentations, 13 forums, along with eight global-level competitions and challenges covering various aspects of robotics and AI, an exhibition of new technologies, as well as an exclusive Career Fair that will provide an ideal forum for talent-hunting, IROS 2024 is expected to impact everyone across the industry spectrum.

More information at https://iros2024-abudhabi.org/

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PhD Researcher Receives KU-ADNOC ‘Outstanding Power Award’

A PhD student in Electrical Engineering at Khalifa University, has received an Outstanding Power Award for her poster presentation on emerging trends in energy, AI, and digital technologies during the recent Khalifa University-ADNOC Joint Workshop at the Sas Al Nakhl (SAN) Campus attended by senior officials from both partners.

 

The poster on hydrogen electrolyzers, presented by Rawdha AlKuwaiti highlighted key findings from a paper co-authored by AlKuwaiti and her advisory team, recently published in the Q1-ranked International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.

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Khalifa University’s RIC2D and UK’s Levidian to Collaborate on UAE’s Decarbonization and Produce High-Quality Graphene

Khalifa University of Science and Technology’s Research & Innovation Center for Graphene and 2D Materials (RIC2D), and leading British climate tech firm Levidian today announced the signing of a pioneering research partnership to help further the UAE’s decarbonization efforts by exploring carbon capture from gas flaring and future applications for graphene.

 

According to the agreement, the two partners will work together to explore the effectiveness of Levidian’s patented LOOP technology in capturing carbon from different gas types, including flare gas from oil and gas facilities. Khalifa University’s RIC2D will then spearhead research into the applications of graphene produced as part of the process, which also creates clean hydrogen.

 

Prof. Hassan Arafat, Senior Director, RIC2D at Khalifa University, said: “We are delighted to enter into this partnership with Levidian and leverage their innovative LOOP technology to contribute to the UAE’s decarbonization efforts. This collaboration will enable the RIC2D team to continue to spearhead research into the applications of graphene produced as part of the process, also creating clean hydrogen. By driving scientific development, this collaboration has all the hallmarks of successfully driving innovation in graphene and 2D materials as well as facilitating commercialization.”

 

John Hartley, CEO of Levidian, said: “The UAE has an incredible opportunity not only to drive down emissions from its oil and gas operations but, in doing so, create two high value products that are going to change the face of the future energy landscape – hydrogen as a critical future fuel, and graphene as a powerful additive to batteries for EVs and to store excess power produced by wind and solar projects. The possibilities are genuinely endless, and we are delighted to be working with Khalifa University as the region’s leading academic institution as we continue to drive forward our technology and get more LOOPs out into the field.”

 

Khalifa University’s RIC2D has entered into multiple partnerships to further drive innovation identifying opportunities in advanced materials innovation. It also seeks to combine expertise, resources, and research capabilities towards accelerating the development and commercialization of graphene-based technologies. It collaborates with stakeholders in organizing symposiums to explore the transformative potential of 2D materials.

 

Levidian announced earlier this year plans to invest around US$100m in the UAE as part of the establishment of a new delivery center, that will serve as a showcase and central hub for the business in the Middle East. The center is expected to create around 100 highly skilled professional and manufacturing roles as well as a further 150 indirect jobs.

 

Levidian provides a unique service that helps hard-to-abate sectors to unlock critical decarbonization projects by capturing the carbon from methane gas and turning it into high value graphene and hydrogen.

 

The graphene produced is ‘net zero’, with the potential to be carbon negative depending on the make-up of the local grid and can be used to both drive process efficiencies and enhance the intrinsic characteristics of products in major global industries as far ranging as steel, batteries and petrochemicals. The hydrogen can be produced at varying levels of purity to be injected into the gas grid, used as a lower carbon fuel for on-site energy generation or as pure hydrogen suitable for hydrogen fuel cell EVs.

 

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More Policy Integration Needed to Reduce Global Warming

Despite Growing Challenges 1.5°C Climate Target Still within Reach 

 

Discover solutions to limit global warming—listen now

Every fraction of a degree counts in the fight against climate change, yet, from 2020 to 2023, carbon dioxide emissions have continued to rise despite advances in clean energy technology. Without stronger climate policies, the critical 1.5°C target—the threshold that scientists warn could trigger severe and irreversible impacts—now faces a risk of being overshot, according to a new study involving researchers from Khalifa University.

 

Emphasizing on managing peak temperatures rather than abandoning climate objectives, the study focuses on minimizing overshoot. Unlike traditional cost-effective models, the research introduces scenarios that consider various real-world constraints, including institutional, technological, and geophysical factors for a more realistic picture of limiting global warming. Utilizing eight different global models, 20 scenarios feature realistic temperature targets, managing CO2 emission, and the balance between technological possibilities and implementation challenges.

 

The research was published in a paper titled, ‘Feasibility of peak temperature targets in light of  institutional constraints’ in Nature Climate Change, a top 1% journal.

 

The team of researchers include Khalifa University’s Dr. Pedro Rua Rodriguez Rochedo, Assistant Professor, Management Science & Engineering, as well as researchers from the University of Maryland, US, the International Institute for Applied System Analysis (IIASA), Austria, and institutions from Italy, Germany, Brazil and The Netherlands.

The rise in global temperatures is expected to peak around the same time carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions hit net-zero – as we reduce emissions to zero – temperatures will also reach their highest point. Scientists now find the most ambitious efforts could maintain peak warming just below 1.6°C, but the odds drop to as low as 5%, if current global policies on climate change remain unaddressed.

 

Dr. Pedro Rua Rodriguez

“Without stronger climate policies, the critical 1.5°C target—the threshold that could trigger severe and irreversible impacts due to global warming—looks even more distant.”

— , Assistant Professor, Management Science & Engineering, KU

A key finding is that along with technological advancements, reducing energy demand – in regions with high energy consumption – can ease the pressure on other mitigation efforts for preventing an overshoot of the 1.5°C limit and for lowering temperatures after an overshoot occurs. If global temperatures do exceed the 1.5°C limit, the study suggests it will require removing a vast amount of CO2—hundreds of gigatons—for every 0.1°C increase to reduce temperatures.

 

Dr. Pedro Rua Rodriguez Rochedo said: “The 1.5°C target remains achievable, however it requires urgent and coordinated action. Rapid technological advancements and increased deployment of clean energy, although crucial, especially for lowering temperatures after an overshoot, are still not sufficient on their own. The most significant barriers to achieving ambitious climate goals are the effectiveness of implementing, and enforcing climate-friendly policies.

 

He added: “Our model intercomparison study establishes a new benchmark of mitigation scenarios beyond the dominant cost-effective scenario design. By recognizing the limitations of focusing only on cost, we aim to bridge the gap between economically driven models and real-world implementation challenges, resulting in a more grounded understanding of climate mitigation possibilities.”

 

Alisha Roy
Science Writer
10 Oct 2024

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31 Students Successfully Conclude One-Year Ro’ya Program Organized by Khalifa University and ADNOC

Fourth cohort of 63 participants completed summer activities and set to attend refresher program during winter

 

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and ADNOC announced that 31 participants have successfully completed the Ro’ya Program. This year-long initiative is meticulously designed to raise awareness among high school students about career opportunities in the UAE’s energy sector.

 

Ayesha Mohamed Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of HC Strategy, Talent, and Performance Management at ADNOC, presented the completion certificates to the third cohort of Ro’ya participants, in recognition of projects they developed during the program. Separately, the fourth cohort of 63 high school students completed their first summer with ADNOC and Khalifa University and will continue their training during the upcoming winter break. Notably, nine alumni of the program have joined undergraduate programs with two students receiving ADNOC Scholarships to Khalifa University.

 

Dr. Bayan Sharif, Provost, Khalifa University, said: “We are delighted to witness the continued success of the Ro’ya Program which inspires students to explore the energy sector and develop critical thinking and leadership skills for future academic and professional success. The Khalifa University – ADNOC collaboration aims to nurture the next generation of leaders in the UAE’s energy sector, in line with the UAE Centennial 2071 objectives. Congratulations to the participants who have successfully completed the program that would help in building skills required to become professionals in the future.”

 

Ayesha Mohamed Al Hammadi, said: “At ADNOC, we are proud that the Ro’ya Program has become a gateway for talented youth to gain access to the energy sector and shape the skilled workforce required to drive the UAE’s future growth. ADNOC will continue to invest in STEM-related educational programs to empower our youth and help them build successful careers at home and abroad. We warmly congratulate all the graduates and wish them a bright and prosperous career ahead.”

 

Four participants from the third cohort had the opportunity to attend ADNOC/NASA Space Camp 2024 in Huntsville, Alabama, where they experienced a hands-on learning environment. The camp ignited their curiosity and inspired innovative thinking in space exploration and scientific discovery.

 

During their second summer, the graduating cohort took part in a variety of activities including thought-provoking discussion on leadership, the impact of intelligent systems and digital technology, and how academics contribute to personal growth. They also participated in an entrepreneurship workshop, oil production training, and sessions on renewable energy, drones technology in energy for the future, and engineering innovation.

 

Both cohorts also visited the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) ,where they gained insights into the UAE’s space initiatives. The fourth cohort consisting of 63 participants attended sessions on public speaking, petroleum engineering, advanced research technologies, planetary science, geophysics, and the potential impacts of earthquakes on the energy industry.

 

Participants also visited the Thamama Excellence Center, and Abu Dhabi Energy Center where they explored programs such as ADNOC Pioneer program, and the ADNOC Scholarship Program. The Ro’ya Program featured presentations by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Student Chapter and included regional and international competitions. Throughout the year, students worked on projects, engaged in online learning and participated in monthly mentorship sessions with Khalifa University faculty and researchers, who guided them in their academic and project-based endeavors.

 

 

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IROS 2024 in Abu Dhabi to Feature 13 Forums Highlighting Impact of Advanced Robotics on Diverse Industry and Economic Sectors

Special Forums at MENA Region’s First-Ever Robotics Conference and Exhibition to Feature Role of Multiple Avatars, Human-Robot Co-Existence, Opportunities for Industrial Sectors and Future of Robots

 

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced an array of 13 diverse forums highlighting the impact of robotics on various sectors will be part of the 36th edition of the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2024) in Abu Dhabi – the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s first-ever such global event.

 

Themed ‘Robotics for Sustainable Development’, IROS 2024 will run from 14-18 October 2024 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) and has already gathered several thousand researchers, academics, leading corporate majors, and industry professionals from across the world. The 13 forums will span four days and will cover rapid development of robotics technologies and its relevance to policy-makers, socio-economic impact, role of multiple avatars, human-robot co-existence, opportunities for the industrial sectors and the future of robots.

 

Dr. Jorge Dias, IROS2024 General Chair, said: “The IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems 2024 includes 13 forums that impact every aspect of an increasingly digitalized world. From sustainable development to government funding and human-robot co-existence, these forums will not only offer a platform for experts to share their perspectives on the role of robotics in the future, but also provide insights from researchers and academics on the way forward. Each forum is designed to highlight the recent advancements as well as to provide an impetus to guide the course of future developments in this key area of science that that will have comprehensive social, economic and intellectual impact.”

 

The Forum on ‘Robots for Sustainability and Sustainable Robots’ on 15 October will first set the scene with contribution from prominent experts, and will include a presentation on how robotics and AI can take care of the world, with models, design solutions and technologies that will make future robots sustainable.

 

Four forums scheduled for 16 October 2024 include Europe Regulates Artificial Intelligence: the Challenge for Robotics, Government Forum: Funding for Robotics Research, Robotics in Africa Forum, and the Robotics & AI in the UAE: Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

 

The IROS 2024 schedule for 17 October 2024 include Human-Avatars Symbiosis: Can you imagine a future society where you can remotely control multiple avatars?, Empowering Diverse Voices in Robotics, Sustainable Medical and Surgical Robotics, and Moonshot R&D Program Goal 3 Forum. Envisioning a Future of Human-Robot Co-living: Potential for Robotics to Transform Human Lives.

 

The four forums on the final day include Marine Robotics in Ocean Decade Initiative for Sustainable Development, The Future of Work: AI-Enhanced Robotics and Human Interaction Research in M3S, Industrial Opportunities and Socio-Economic Impact of Medical Robotics, and Robots for a Better Tomorrow: Wellbeing Through Advanced Technology.

 

IROS 2024 will also demonstrate the next generation of sustainable robotics as well as exhibits of the latest robotics technologies and products. Poster sessions, keynotes, panel discussions, and networking events are also lined up for this major international conference.

 

Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist
8 Oct 2024

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His Excellency Lieutenant General Engineer Issa Saif Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, visited the university’s pavilion at #آيدكس , where he viewed the projects of the Elite Program students, including technologies for security and defense

His Excellency Lieutenant General Engineer Issa Saif Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, visited the university’s pavilion at #آيدكس , where he viewed the projects of the Elite Program students, including technologies for security and defense

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How AI can help produce a new crop of Emirati farmers

The UAE is taking a leaf out of the Netherlands’ book in attempting to persuade young Emiratis to take up farming by using advanced technology – including artificial intelligence – to drum up interest in the agricultural sector.

UAE professors and government officials from the environment and education ministries recently met diplomats, private companies, farmers and academics in the Netherlands to discuss food security before Cop28, which will be held in Dubai this November.

The meetings were part of a series of dialogues to gain knowledge of how the Netherlands has retained its role as the world’s second-largest exporter of agricultural produce after the US.

Young people don’t want to be farmers anymore
Oscar Niezen, senior adviser at Lentiz Education Group, Netherlands

During field visits, experts from the Netherlands explained how AI, using real-time analysis of data, can monitor crop health round-the-clock.

AI systems can also help improve the quality of a harvest and detect disease in plants, with sensors providing detailed information to increase efficiency, forecast temperatures and predict the yield.

Agriculture no longer ‘old fashioned’

Leo Marcelis, professor horticulture and product physiology at Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands, said it was a struggle to capture the attention of young people.

“Students and young people are traditionally not so interested in agriculture because they think it’s old-fashioned,” he said.

“But when they see new technology, they say, ‘Wow, this is innovation.’

“The young take sustainability really seriously and it attracts them to come here to study.

“With international collaboration we can ensure food is produced for people in the whole world in a sustainable way.”

Ranked among the world’s top agricultural research institutes, the university is known for cutting-edge studies and works with companies using greenhouses to employ technology to reduce water consumption and control the environment so crops can thrive.

Students have the option to study in applied agricultural science colleges or vocational schools that teach agricultural skills. Training and education is also available for farmers.

“We need to make farming attractive for young people. No farmers, no food,” said one poster at an education institute.

Change the perception of young people

Oscar Niezen, senior adviser for international projects with the Lentiz Education Group, said it was important that UAE students understand the quality of life farmers could have.

The group organises training programmes for international students in the Netherlands that run from a week to nine months.

Students visit farms for internships and work in greenhouses growing vegetables and flowers.

“They see the life of the grower is comfortable, cool even,” Mr Niezen said.’

“They understand it’s not dirty. It’s good for young people to actually see this because for students all over the world, agriculture has a bad name.

“Young people don’t want to be farmers any more.

“But then they see how profitable it can be, that the grower has a nice car and house. Yes, he works hard but it’s a good job.

“The technology used in modern greenhouses can help change the perception of young people.

“When they see all this, it comes alive.”

Tech for the UAE

The UAE is aiming to become self-sufficient and produce fresh food locally.

Charbel Tarraf, chief of operations and development at the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture, said that, to achieve this, a strategy was required to build vocational agricultural schools in the UAE to train young people.

The ICBA, based in Dubai, works with more than 50 countries, conducting crucial studies to improve the resilience of trees, irrigation efficiency and crop genome research.

“The UAE is at the start of its agricultural journey, the Netherlands is advanced and so we need to see how to learn from them,” he said.

“To have successful agriculture, you need manpower, human capital.”

He said sometimes in the Arab world, farmers are not as valued as they should be.

“But when you talk about entrepreneurship, technology that requires skill and bringing this to farms – that will definitely be an incentive for the young.”

Elke Neumann, a professor of plant nutrition in United Arab Emirates University‘s College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, said exchange programmes would build knowledge on both sides.

The UAEU in Al Ain is the only institute in the country that offers higher education programmes in horticulture, food sciences and agribusiness.

UAE citizens make up the majority of about 160 students in specialised agriculture programmes at the university.

“Most students join not because they don’t find anything else to study but because they are really truly interested in agriculture,” she said.

“More and more students are finding jobs in new private companies.”

Over the past few years, the UAE has used technology to produce locally farmed salmon, berries and quinoa.

Vertical farms use a hydroponics system in which plants are grown in nutrient-rich water instead of soil.

Ms Neumann said the task before researchers was to develop unique systems to tackle harsh climate conditions.

“This requires confidence that we can find solutions specifically tailored to UAE requirements,” she said.

“We need intrinsically to do something for our country and not always modify a solution that is imported.

“We require a massive expansion of our agri-research capacity and it absolutely can be achieved.”

Disease detection

UAEU has joined forces with Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi to develop robotic technology for agriculture.

Irfan Hussain, assistant professor in Khalifa University’s mechanical department, is keen to use AI to guard against the spread of diseases in plants.

“This is the future and is much needed for the UAE,” he said.

“I do believe we can get the next generation excited because of the tech element and the promise of innovation.”