NEWS
MBZUAI launches robotics and computer science graduate programmes
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial
Intelligence , MBZUAI has established two new departments and four associated graduate programs dedicated to robotics and computer science , catering to the surging global demand for these disciplines .
The new departments will complement the university ’ s existing computer vision , CV , machine learning , ML , and natural language processing , NLP departments , which are ranked among the top 20 globally by CSRankings , and will act as academic homes for new faculty , researchers and postdoctoral fellows , and students in robotics and computer science .
Aligned with the formation of the new departments , the university has launched master ’ s and PhD programs in robotics and computer science . The new programs will help further develop the UAE ’ s wider artificial intelligence , AI ecosystem and strengthen its position as an international hub for AI research and innovation .
MBZUAI President and University Professor , Eric Xing , said : “ The addition of these two new departments represents MBZUAI ’ s lasting effort in developing a solid foundation for research excellence and innovation in artificial intelligence .”
The Robotics Department will focus on rigorous , high-impact , original research , emphasizing robot learning and robot algorithms rather than the development of new robot hardware . Topics of interest include deep learning , control theory , robot manipulation , quadruped locomotion , human-robot interaction , robot-assisted surgery and healthcare , swarm robotics , precision agriculture , and environment and infrastructure monitoring .
The master ’ s programs in computer science and robotics will take two years , including a compulsory six-week internship , while the PhD will take four years , including a compulsory three-month internship . The programs ’ dual focus on academic research and industry engagement is designed to provide students with world-leading theoretical and applied skills , bringing maximum impact to the UAE .
Currently , there are no comparable programs available in the UAE , allowing MBZUAI to distinguish itself and position the UAE as a global AI leader .
Dubai Municipality reduces testing time for materials from four working days to eight minutes using robots
Dubai Central Laboratory of Dubai
Municipality is using robots that employ X-rays and other latest technologies to carry out automated chemical analysis and tests on various types of cement and other construction materials . The cement testing services are linked to a smart platform for laboratory testing services in Dubai Municipality , enabling customers to receive inspection reports quickly through smartphones , tablets , and mobile devices .
This technique will improve the quality of the Municipality ’ s construction testing services as per the best international standards .
The robots utilise X-rays to precisely carry out chemical analysis of construction materials and cement products used , which allows for effectively meeting the requirements of the construction sector in the Emirate of Dubai that is characterised by the superior speed in completing tests with the highest accuracy .
The technology shortens the duration of the tests from 4 days to 8 minutes , with a record daily increase in the ratio of samples examined to 650 per cent , compared to the previous pre-application situation . This will accelerate the process of submitting laboratory results to the consulting sector and contractors , ensuring the timely completion of the project stages according to their deadlines . This is part of Dubai Municipality ’ s efforts in adopting digital and competitive business systems , applying pioneering AI technologies , and adopting digital solutions that enhance the quality of services and streamline operation .
Hind Mahmoud Ahmed , Acting Director of the Dubai Central Laboratory Department at Dubai Municipality , emphasized that cement checks are important components of concrete mixtures and the results of their inspection have an impact on the quality and sustainability of buildings , significantly contributing to increasing their life span .
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