Big Data and Internet of Things emerge key tools in the development of several projects
The Organizing Committee of the UAE AI & Robotics Award for Good has announced that 20 contestants have qualified to the semi-finals stage of the National and International competitions of the award, which offers a total prize money of AED 4.67 million (US$1 million for International Competition and AED 1 million for National Competition) to the winners.
The successful entries to the semi-final stage of the UAE AI & Robotics Award have come from all parts of the world, including the UAE, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Spain. The award aims to encourage research and applications of innovative solutions in artificial intelligence and robotics to meet existing challenges in the categories of health, education and social services.
Saif Al Aleeli, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Museum of the Future Foundation and Coordinator General of the UAE AI & Robotics Award for Good, said the award involves robotics projects designed to serve humanity. He said 20 innovative projects have qualified to the semi-finals stage out of 664 submissions from 121 countries around the world, reflecting the global impact of the award in its first edition.
He pointed out that the UAE AI & Robotics Award for Good is different from other awards in the world in two main aspects. Firstly, it focuses on the practical side of robotics technology making it easier for the public and investors in the sector to identify the economic and social values of these projects in order to transform them into services and commercial projects. The submissions covered a wide range of applications on the micro level, including devices that can be implantable inside the human body, as well as big-size applications.
Secondly, the award focuses on artificial intelligence, which plays a major role in transforming robots from mere technical tools for routine tasks into smart tools capable of making decisions and dealing with complex situations.
Al Aleeli added said that one of the main objectives of the award is to make people aware of the potentials of the robotics sector. He also said the award will be expanded in the coming editions in terms of target sectors and participation, aiming for more diversity to establish a global movement that promotes this modern technology to empower people and improve their lives.
International Competition - Semi-finalists:
HERMES robots offer effective solution in disaster management - USA
Among the semi-finalists, team MITBRL from the United States has developed the HERMES (Highly Efficient Robotic Mechanisms and Electromechanical System) robots which can enter areas that are too dangerous for humans, offering an effective solution in disaster management.
“In its commercial phase, we imagine that the robots will cut costs by handling dangerous tasks that are otherwise impossible to accomplish. In addition, this technology also reduces the risk of injury to emergency first responders,” said Albert Wang of MITBRL team.
Stressing the urgency to bring these technologies to market, Wang said that both the first customers and the likely first investment will be from governmental organizations that oversee disaster response operations.
“We are very excited to see government initiatives for the use of robotics to improve people's lives. Awards such as this one stimulate growth and inspire talented individuals to work on difficult problems,” Wang added.
Autonomous Soft Tissue Robotic Surgery for improved safety - USA
A team from the United States has come up with an ‘Autonomous Soft Tissue Robotic Surgery’ system offering improved safety, access, and outcome.
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