Scotland and the United Arab Emirates are collaborating to launch the first Robotarium in the Middle East, to drive innovation in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), in the region.
The new UAE Robotarium is the result of collaboration between Heriot-Watt University Dubai and Expo City Dubai, a hub designed to foster innovation and sustainable development.
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Modelled after the UK’s National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, the UAE facility aims to drive progress in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). It will bring together leaders from academia, industry, and government to accelerate advancements in these fields. The initiative focuses on incubating startups, advancing technology commercialisation, and showcasing the benefits of automation in urban environments.
A key element of the project is the development of talent in robotics and AI. Expo City Dubai will sponsor new PhD research positions at Heriot-Watt’s Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in these disciplines, contributing to workforce growth in the sector.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising the establishment of the UAE Robotarium was signed by Najeeb Mohamed Al-Ali, executive director of Expo City Dubai, and Professor Dame Heather McGregor, provost and vice principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai.
Najeeb Mohamed Al-Ali, executive directory of Expo City Dubai, said: “We are delighted to collaborate again with Heriot-Watt University to establish the UAE’s first Robotarium, cementing Expo City Dubai’s position as an incubator for innovation, a testbed for solutions and a platform for groundbreaking ideas.”
Professor Gillian Murray, deputy principal for business and enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, added: “The UAE Robotarium will build on this proven model, [of the original one in the UK], creating a world-class hub where cutting-edge research translates into real-world applications.
“Through this partnership with Expo City Dubai, we will empower startups, scale businesses, and support industry in developing and commercialising transformative technologies.”
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