A team of KAUST researchers led by Abdulwahab Felemban won first place in the Digital Research track at the inaugural Digital Innovation Awards from MCIT for their AI-driven water tap, Smart-Tap. Smart-Tap uses AI to personalize water flow and pressure, reducing waste by up to 43% compared to infrared taps. The project was inspired by the water waste observed during the Wudu ritual. Why it matters: This award highlights the potential of AI-driven solutions developed in Saudi Arabia to address critical sustainability challenges like water conservation, aligning with the Kingdom's National Water Strategy 2030.
QualSens, a KAUST startup, is developing a smart sensor for monitoring and enhancing process control in water desalination systems. The sensor uses fluorescent enzymatic sensing to detect bacterial activity and fouling at an early stage. The system alerts operators to start cleaning the system based on the sensor feedbacks, helping to decrease energy demand for drinking water production. Why it matters: This technology could significantly improve the efficiency and reduce the costs of desalination, a critical process for water security in the Middle East.
The KAUST Smart Home has received LEED Platinum certification, ranking second globally with a score of 94. The project retrofitted an existing home with features like 120 solar panels and hydropanels producing drinking water from atmospheric humidity. It also includes a leak detection system and smart fill windows controllable via touch panel. Why it matters: This demonstrates how existing infrastructures in the region can be improved to meet sustainability goals using smart technology.
MBZUAI researchers are applying federated learning to optimize smart grids while protecting user data privacy. This approach leverages techniques from smart healthcare systems to enhance energy efficiency and local energy sharing. The research addresses the challenge of balancing grid optimization with the risk of user identity theft associated with traditional data-intensive smart grids. Why it matters: This research demonstrates a practical application of privacy-preserving AI in critical infrastructure, addressing key concerns around data security and fostering trust in smart grid technologies.
KAUST researchers are partnering with Saudi farmers and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) to develop tailored desalination solutions for agriculture. A new KAUST Center of Excellence project aims to integrate controlled environment agriculture (CEA) with desalination of non-conventional water resources for hydroponic farming. The approach focuses on selective ion removal to provide 'clean-enough' water, reducing energy use and costs compared to traditional desalination. Why it matters: This initiative could enable more sustainable and affordable local crop production in Saudi Arabia, potentially shifting the Kingdom from importing to exporting agricultural technologies.
A smart bandage developed by KAUST's Associate Professor Atif Shamim and Ph.D. student Mohammed Farooqui won the IEEE MECAP’16 Best Paper Award. The smart bandage is a medical device that wirelessly communicates wound parameters and abnormalities to healthcare providers. It monitors the wound's recovery process. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the innovative research and development in healthcare technology emerging from Saudi Arabia.
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KAUST researchers created a flexible temperature array by drawing a resistor structure with a silver conductive ink pen on Post-it paper. The array functions as an artificial skin sensor. The device demonstrates a low-cost approach to wearable sensors. Why it matters: This research offers a path to scalable and accessible sensor technology for health monitoring and other applications in the region.