MBZUAI is hosting the Augmented Humans International Conference 2025 in the Middle East for the first time, in cooperation with the ACM. The conference focuses on physical, cognitive, and perceptual augmentations of humans through digital technologies. 30 papers were selected from 77 submissions, with participation from researchers from institutions like MIT Media Lab and the University of Tokyo. Why it matters: This event underscores the UAE's commitment to AI research and human-computer interaction, fostering collaboration and driving progress in augmentation technologies for societal benefit.
The Augmented Humans International Conference 2025 (AHs) was held at MBZUAI in Abu Dhabi, focusing on technology's role in advancing human capabilities. The conference, in cooperation with ACM, attracted over 180 researchers to discuss innovations from AI-enhanced storytelling to AI-enhanced prosthetics. The program included talks, papers, posters, demonstrations, and workshops on topics like AR/VR interaction, bionic systems, and cognitive augmentation with AI. Why it matters: Hosting AHs at MBZUAI highlights the UAE's growing role as a hub for AI research and its applications in enhancing human potential.
MBZUAI held its inaugural Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Symposium in Abu Dhabi, focusing on the human and societal impacts of AI. The event, led by Professor Elizabeth Churchill, featured workshops and keynotes from figures like Google's Matias Duarte. Participants collaborated to address critical design aspects of human-AI interaction and co-author a book. Why it matters: The symposium highlights the increasing importance of human-centered design in AI development, ensuring AI tools are useful, desirable, and beneficial for society in the GCC region and beyond.
MBZUAI had 22 papers accepted at ICLR 2023, with faculty Kun Zhang co-authoring seven of them. Yuanzhi Li, an affiliated assistant professor at MBZUAI, received an honorable mention for his paper on knowledge distillation. Additionally, a paper co-authored by MBZUAI President Eric Xing was recognized as a top 5% paper at the conference. Why it matters: MBZUAI's strong presence at a top-tier machine learning conference like ICLR demonstrates the university's growing influence and research capabilities in the global AI landscape.
MBZUAI will present robotics research and solutions at the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) in Abu Dhabi from October 14-18. Professors Yoshihiko Nakamura and Sami Haddadin, renowned robotics experts, lead MBZUAI's robotics initiatives. MBZUAI will be located at Booth 6 at ADNEC. Why it matters: Showcasing MBZUAI's commitment to becoming a global leader in AI and robotics research, attracting top talent and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in the UAE.