KAUST ·
Dr. Andrew Bastawrous, CEO/co-founder of Peek, discussed his work on mobile eye clinics at KAUST. He developed Peek Acuity and Peek Retina, which turn smartphones into tools for detecting visual impairment. The technology uses smartphone screens and camera clip-ons to image inside the eye. Why it matters: This low-cost mobile ophthalmic tool has the potential to prevent and treat vision loss in underserved communities.
MBZUAI ·
This seminar explores vision systems through self-supervised representation learning, addressing challenges and solutions in mainstream vision self-supervised learning methods. It discusses developing versatile representations across modalities, tasks, and architectures to propel the evolution of the vision foundation model. Tong Zhang from EPFL, with a background from Beihang University, New York University, and Australian National University, will lead the talk. Why it matters: Advancing vision foundation models is crucial for expanding AI applications, especially in the Middle East where computer vision can address challenges in areas like urban planning, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
MBZUAI ·
MBZUAI is developing the AI Operating System (AIOS) to reduce the energy, time, and talent costs of AI computing. AIOS aims to make AI models smaller, faster, and more efficient, reducing reliance on expensive hardware and speeding up compute operations. It also enables cost-aware model tuning and standardizes AI modules for reliable operation. Why it matters: By addressing the environmental impact and resource demands of AI, AIOS could promote more sustainable and accessible AI development in the region and globally.
KAUST ·
KAUST researchers in the Sensors Lab are developing neuromorphic circuits for vision sensors, drawing inspiration from the human eye. They created flexible photoreceptors using hybrid perovskite materials, with capacitance tunable by light stimulation, mimicking the human retina. The team collaborates with experts in image characterization and brain pattern recognition to connect the 'eye' to the 'brain' for object identification. Why it matters: This biomimetic approach promises advancements in AI, machine learning, and smart city development within the region.