KAUST has launched self-driving shuttles on its campus, making it the first adopter of autonomous vehicles in Saudi Arabia. The pilot project utilizes vehicle technology from Local Motors and EasyMile. SAPTCO will operate the autonomous shuttles and manage operations with Saudi staff. Why it matters: This initiative advances Saudi Arabia's 2030 Vision and positions KAUST as a regional leader in smart city development and AI research.
Daniela Rus from MIT CSAIL discussed the role of AI in revolutionizing autonomous vehicles, emphasizing the need for risk evaluation, intent understanding, and adaptation to diverse driving styles. The talk highlighted integrating risk and behavior analysis in autonomous vehicle control systems. Social Value Orientation (SVO) can be incorporated into decision-making for self-driving vehicles. Why it matters: This research advances the development of safer and more adaptive autonomous vehicles, crucial for their successful deployment in diverse real-world driving scenarios within the GCC region and globally.
Giuseppe Loianno from NYU presented research on creating "Super Autonomous" robots (USARC) that are Unmanned, Small, Agile, Resilient, and Collaborative. The research focuses on learning models, control, and navigation policies for single and collaborative robots operating in challenging environments. The talk highlighted the potential of these robots in logistics, reconnaissance, and other time-sensitive tasks. Why it matters: This points to growing research interest in advanced robotics in the region, especially given the focus on smart cities and automation.
MBZUAI will host a webinar on November 3 featuring Professor Daniela Rus from MIT CSAIL, focusing on the role of AI in autonomous vehicles. The webinar will explore integrating risk assessment, behavior analysis, and intelligent situation awareness into autonomous mobility. Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf will moderate the session, which is part of the MBZUAI Talks series. Why it matters: This event highlights MBZUAI's role as a hub for AI discourse and its focus on advancing research and development in autonomous transportation within the region.
KAUST researchers in the Image and Video Understanding Lab are applying machine learning to computer vision for automated navigation, including self-driving cars and UAVs. They tested their algorithms on KAUST roads, aiming to replicate the brain's efficiency in tasks like activity and object recognition. The team is also exploring the possibility of creative algorithms that can transfer skills without direct training. Why it matters: This research contributes to the advancement of autonomous systems and explores the fundamental questions of replicating human intelligence in machines within the GCC region.
TII-EuroRacing Team, comprised of researchers from TII's ARRC and UNIMORE, is participating in the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) at CES 2023 in Las Vegas. The team will compete with its DO12 racecar, a Dallara AV-21 retrofitted with automation hardware and advanced prototype software. The IAC aims to accelerate the commercialization of fully autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems. Why it matters: This participation allows TII to test and improve its autonomous vehicle technology in a dynamic environment, contributing to the advancement of autonomous systems in the region.
KAUST and the WEF's Fourth Industrial Revolution Center co-hosted a workshop on the responsible adoption of autonomous transport systems in Saudi Arabia. The workshop brought together experts from universities, government, and private sectors to harmonize policies and regulations. Discussions focused on experimental testing, aligning goals with global standards, and forming a community of stakeholders. Why it matters: This initiative signals Saudi Arabia's proactive approach to integrating autonomous technologies into its transportation sector in a safe and regulated manner, aligning with its "Future of Transportation" initiative.
VentureOne, the commercialization arm of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has launched SteerAI, an AI-powered autonomous mobility system that can be integrated into existing industrial vehicles. Developed by experts at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), SteerAI uses a hardware kit, software stack, and fleet management system. The system targets the logistics and defense sectors, enabling autonomous ground vehicles to perform complex missions with precision and efficiency. Why it matters: This launch underscores the UAE's ambition to become a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, transforming industries and enhancing operational capabilities in critical sectors.