Dubai: Dubai Future Labs (DFL), an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), in partnership with the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Khalifa University (KU), has announced the winners of the first edition of the Emirates Robotics Competition.
A total of 52 teams representing 17 local and international universities registered to be part of the competition. The teams demonstrated the capabilities of the autonomous robotic systems they developed to accomplish certain tasks, including moving independently, analysing their immediate surroundings, navigating a specific course, avoiding obstacles, and picking up and placing objects.
Shuri from Middlesex University Dubai beat seven teams to win the Manipulation challenge, while the Robo Tigers from RIT Dubai came in second place, and RobAuto from Heriot-Watt University Dubai came in third place. As for the Navigation challenge, in which 14 university teams participated, Cognizance from Manipal University Dubai won first place, Piston Sparks from the University of Stirling RAK came in second, and ACMBITS from BITS Pilani Dubai came in third.
The winners were honoured at the end of the competition, which was hosted by RIT, in the presence of Meghan Gregonis, US Consul-General Dubai, and a number of presidents and directors of different universities in the UAE.
Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT, shared that “our collaboration with Dubai Future Labs along with Khalifa University represents an exemplary partnership between academia and industry. It also paves the way for young individuals to hone their skills for the future and contribute to diversifying the economy.”
Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President at Khalifa University, noted that “the autonomous robotic systems developed by the winning teams are capable of performing challenging tasks. They demonstrate the creative skills and innovative spirit of each of the participants.”
Mr. Khalifa Al Qama, Director of DFL, commented that “empowering youth by providing the opportunity to develop their skills in robotics and artificial intelligence is a pivotal pillar in strengthening the role of Dubai and the UAE in driving global technological transformations. We at DFF are keen to launch initiatives and activities that help consolidate the country’s effort in positioning the UAE as a global centre for robotics and artificial intelligence.”