MBZUAI and TII have formed a partnership to advance AI research and strengthen the AI ecosystem in the UAE. The collaboration framework enables joint fundamental and applied research in key domains of AI, including neuromorphic computing and autonomous vehicles. The two organizations will share research resources and exchange students, faculty, and researchers. Why it matters: This partnership strengthens Abu Dhabi's position as a regional AI hub and promotes economic growth through AI-based knowledge.
KAUST researchers have developed an artificial electronic retina mimicking the behavior of rod retina cells, utilizing a hybrid perovskite material (MAPbBr3) embedded in PVDF-TrFE-CEF. The photoreceptor array, made of metal-insulator-metal capacitors, detects light intensity through changes in electrical capacitance. Connected to a CMOS-sensing circuit and a spiking neural network, the 4x4 array achieved around 70 percent accuracy in recognizing handwritten numbers. Why it matters: This research paves the way for energy-efficient neuromorphic vision sensors and advanced computer vision applications, potentially revolutionizing camera technology.
Eleven alumni from KAUST's Saudi Research Science Institute (SRSI) excelled at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), a global pre-college STEM competition. The Saudi team, including SRSI participants, collectively secured 12 grand prizes and 12 special awards at the event held in Phoenix, Arizona. Four SRSI alumni received high recognition, including Lana Alaggad for her project on optoelectronic memristors for neuromorphic vision systems. Why it matters: This highlights Saudi Arabia's investment in cultivating young STEM talent through programs like SRSI at KAUST, preparing future innovators and aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's human capital development goals, with specific relevance to AI in neuromorphic computing.
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.
Prof. Mérouane Debbah of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) warns that current AI development relies on unsustainable, energy-intensive "bruteforce computing." He argues that the field needs more energy-efficient algorithms instead of simply scaling up GPUs. Debbah suggests neuromorphic computing as a potential solution, drawing inspiration from the human brain's energy efficiency. Why it matters: This critique highlights a crucial sustainability challenge for AI in the GCC and globally, as the region invests heavily in compute-intensive AI models.