In a groundbreaking advancement, the United Arab Emirates is making strides in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics research, catalyzing growth and sustainable transformation in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, and aviation. This progress is being spearheaded by the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi, a leader in nurturing future AI and robotics experts.
MBZUAI, in August 2023, launched two departments dedicated to robotics and computer science. Since then, AI researchers and students at the university have been making a significant impact in advancing key growth sectors. “Our focus at MBZUAI is more on the computer science aspect of robotics rather than the hardware. We are developing the ‘brain’ of robots to enhance their perception, navigation, motion planning, and control,” said Dezhen Song, the inaugural professor of robotics at the university.
Song, holding a PhD in operations research from the University of California, Berkeley, has emphasized the necessity of AI for enabling robots to interact with and influence the physical world. His research has primarily focused on robot spatial intelligence, including retrieving spatial information from multimodal sensory data and decision-making based on it.
In the energy sector, Song outlined the significant contributions AI-driven robotics can make, particularly in automated infrastructure inspection. This technology is essential for safety monitoring and diagnostics in the UAE’s energy industry. AI in robotics can also support the maintenance of larger solar and wind farms, crucial for the UAE’s shift towards sustainable energy sources.
Food security, another critical area, is benefiting from AI and robotics research at MBZUAI. Song, with his background in agricultural research from Texas A&M University, highlighted how AI is improving farming practices. Robots, equipped with sensors, are being used for field surveys, crop yield estimation, and quality detection, making farming less labor-intensive and more cost-effective. These AI-driven robots can also precisely remove weeds and reduce pesticide use, aligning with sustainable farming practices.
Moreover, the university has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Silal to support the National Strategy for Food Security 2051. This collaboration aims to develop a sustainable national food production system using modern technologies.
In aviation, MBZUAI’s research is focused on enhancing safety. An agreement with Etihad Airways is set to develop AI solutions for the aviation sector. AI-enabled robotics can detect subsurface cracks in airplane exteriors and other issues that are invisible during regular safety inspections, thus improving airline safety standards.
MBZUAI’s expansion to include robotics and computer science has increased its academic offerings, attracting a wider pool of master’s and PhD applicants globally. Applications are open until March 31 for expatriates and UAE residents, and May 31, 2024, for UAE nationals. Further details can be found on the university’s website.
This push in AI and robotics research by MBZUAI is positioning the UAE at the forefront of AI application in critical sectors, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology for sustainable and innovative growth.
