MBZUAI has launched a full robotics program focusing on robot learning, humanoid robotics, human-computer interaction, and sensory awareness. The program includes research and teaching labs for experimentation and aims to address challenges in agriculture, logistics, and healthcare. The robotics department, founded in 2023, welcomed 18 students in August and is expected to grow to more than 15 faculty members over the next two years. Why it matters: This program signifies a major investment in AI for physical systems in the UAE, potentially leading to innovations across sectors and strengthening MBZUAI's position as a leading AI research institution.
MBZUAI has established new robotics and computer science departments, launching master’s and Ph.D. programs in each discipline. The new departments will complement MBZUAI’s existing CV, ML, and NLP departments. The robotics department will focus on robot learning and algorithms, while computer science will focus on foundational technologies with an emphasis on entrepreneurship and sustainability. Why it matters: This expansion strengthens the UAE's AI ecosystem and positions MBZUAI as a hub for AI research and innovation, addressing the growing global demand for AI talent.
MBZUAI's new robotics department, launched in August 2023, aims to develop AI-driven robotic solutions for key UAE sectors. Professor Dezhen Song, the inaugural Professor of Robotics, highlights the department's focus on the "brain side" of robotics, enhancing perception, navigation, and control. Specific applications include automated infrastructure inspection for the energy sector and AI-driven precision agriculture techniques to improve crop yields and resource efficiency. Why it matters: MBZUAI's robotics research will contribute to the UAE's strategic goals in energy, food security, and sustainable development.
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.
MBZUAI Professor Sami Haddadin and his team developed a new framework called Tactile Skills to teach robots manual skills through touch and trial and error. This framework aims to address the gap in robots' ability to learn basic physical tasks compared to AI's advancements in language and image generation. The research, published in Nature Machine Intelligence, focuses on enabling robots to perform manipulation skills at industrial levels with low energy and compute demands. Why it matters: This research could lead to robots capable of performing household maintenance, industrial tasks, and even assisting in medical or rehabilitation settings, potentially solving labor shortages in various sectors in the region and beyond.