KAUST researchers contributed to an international collaboration demonstrating that an ionic salt molecule called CPMAC enhances perovskite solar cell performance by 0.6%. CPMAC improves the electronic properties and reduces defects in the electron transfer layer compared to C60. CPMAC solar cells also exhibited greater stability, with a one-third reduction in power conversion efficiency drop compared to C60 cells under heat and humidity. Why it matters: This advancement addresses a key limitation in perovskite solar cell stability, potentially leading to more efficient and durable renewable energy solutions.
A research paper by Dr. Reda Alami of the AI and Digital Science Research Center (AIDRC) at TII has been accepted for publication at the 14th Asian Conference on Machine Learning (ACML 2022). The paper addresses sequential decision-making under uncertainty in non-stationary environments, proposing a Bayesian Change-Point Detection with Thompson Sampling (Bayesian-CPD-TS) algorithm. The algorithm combines decision-making under uncertainty and sequential detection of abrupt changes. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the growing AI research capabilities within the UAE and its contribution to the global machine learning community.
Francisco Rodríguez-Henríquez, Technical Director at TII's Cryptography Research Center, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the International Association for Cryptologic Research (IACR). He is the first cryptographer from the Middle East to join the IACR board. His three-year tenure aims to foster cryptography development in the Middle East through conferences and seminars, and promote openly accessible cryptographic software and hardware. Why it matters: This appointment signals growing recognition of Middle Eastern expertise in cryptography and enhances the region's role in shaping global cryptographic research and development.
Dezhen Song from Texas A&M University presented a talk on Co-Modality Active sensing and Perception (C-MAP) for robotics, covering sensor fusion for autonomous vehicles, augmented reality, and remote environmental monitoring. The talk highlighted lessons learned in sensor fusion using autonomous motorcycles and NASA Robonaut as examples. Recent works in robotic remote environment monitoring, especially focused on subsurface surface void and pipeline mapping were discussed. Why it matters: This research explores sensor fusion techniques to enhance robot perception, which could improve the robustness and capabilities of autonomous systems developed and deployed in the Middle East, particularly in challenging environments.
KAUST spin-out company NOMADD, which specializes in robotic PV cleaning systems, has secured a Series B investment from Saudi construction company CEPCO. The investment will support NOMADD's project pipeline and growth ambitions, enabling them to scale operations and serve more customers. CEPCO will also advise on technology development and local manufacturing in Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This investment validates KAUST's innovation fund strategy and supports the deployment of sustainable energy solutions in the region, leveraging local expertise and manufacturing.
Conor McMenamin from Universitat Pompeu Fabra presented a seminar on State Machine Replication (SMR) without honest participants. The talk covered the limitations of current SMR protocols and introduced the ByRa model, a framework for player characterization free of honest participants. He then described FAIRSICAL, a sandbox SMR protocol, and discussed how the ideas could be extended to real-world protocols, with a focus on blockchains and cryptocurrencies. Why it matters: This research on SMR protocols and their incentive compatibility could lead to more robust and secure blockchain technologies in the region.