KAUST Ph.D. student Lukas Larisch won the Parameterized Algorithms and Computational Experiments (PACE) 2017 Challenge in the Optimal Tree Decomposition Challenge, solving more instances than competitors. He received the award at the International Symposium on Parameterized and Exact Computation (IPEC 2017) in Vienna, Austria. Larisch is pursuing his Ph.D. at KAUST and working in the University's Extreme Computing Research Center, focusing on acoustics and graph structure theory. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contribution to advanced computer science research and its ability to attract and foster talented researchers in niche areas like parameterized complexity.
The paper presents MonoRace, an onboard drone racing approach using a monocular camera and IMU. The system combines neural-network-based gate segmentation with a drone model for robust state estimation, along with offline optimization using gate geometry. MonoRace won the 2025 Abu Dhabi Autonomous Drone Racing Competition (A2RL), outperforming AI teams and human world champions, reaching speeds up to 100 km/h. Why it matters: This demonstrates a significant advancement in autonomous drone racing, achieving champion-level performance with a resource-efficient monocular system, validated in a real-world competition setting in the UAE.
Researchers at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) have released a fully-annotated dataset for autonomous drone racing, called "Race Against the Machine." The dataset includes high-resolution visual, inertial, and motion capture data from both autonomous and piloted flights, along with commands, control inputs, and corner-level labeling of drone racing gates. The specifications to recreate their flight platform using commercial off-the-shelf components and the Betaflight controller are also released. Why it matters: This comprehensive resource aims to support the development of new methods and establish quantitative comparisons for approaches in robotics and AI, democratizing drone racing research.
KAUST has launched the KAUST Challenge: Ideas and Solutions for Hajj & Umrah 2020, in partnership with The Makkah Cultural Forum. The challenge aims to catalyze research, innovation, and economic development in Saudi Arabia. The KAUST Challenge will award 1 million SAR in cash and other prizes for ideas to improve the Hajj and Umrah experience and advance efforts to make Makkah a smart city. Why it matters: This initiative connects AI innovation directly to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the specific needs of religious tourism, a unique application area.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia are participating as Team TII-EuroRacing in the Autonomous Challenge at CES 2022 in Las Vegas. TII is also a premier sponsor of the event, which features head-to-head autonomous racecar competition at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Team TII-EuroRacing will compete with its DO12 racecar, a Dallara AV-21 retrofitted for automation, after making it to the finals at the Indy Autonomous Challenge in October 2021. Why it matters: This event highlights the UAE's commitment to advancing autonomous robotics and positions TII as a leader in the development of autonomous racing systems.