A glimpse into
the future of robotics
As experts gathered at the 36th IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2024), organized by Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi laid plans for a new future of technological innovation.
Abu Dhabi is enthusiastic about robots. The UAE capital has already showcased an app-controlled exoskeleton to assist people with walking disabilities and a smart bin that uses robotics to separate waste.
Robotics in the UAE is projected to account for nearly 15% of the Middle East and North Africa’s $2.84 billion market by 2029. This progressive environment made Abu Dhabi a natural host for the 36th edition of the International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS), held from October 14–18 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
IROS is one of the world’s most prestigious robotics conferences. Established in 1988, the event convenes researchers, robotics industry professionals, and policymakers for a five-day program of discussions, challenges, and workshops.
So, what does the future hold for intelligent robots?
Robotics for sustainable development
Themed ‘Robotics for Sustainable Development’, this year’s IROS included research submissions and forums focused on how robots can help achieve 13 of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Several competitions were organized to inspire creativity, including challenges to test robots' physical intelligence, remote robot navigation and manipulation, and underwater robotics. The Falcon Monitoring Challenge, meanwhile, worked to encourage innovative solutions tailored to the needs of international wildlife conservation.
Sustainable solutions like these dominated much of the conversation at IROS, with exhibits of the latest robotic technologies demonstrating the next generation of industry innovation.
While wall-climbing robots are being piloted to extend the lifespan and efficiency of critical infrastructure, drones are being used for postal delivery, and driver-less, rail-less trains.
Robots are also advancing healthcare and wellbeing. The UAE already uses a blood-drawing robot to cut staff and patient waiting times. And Dr. Ali Al Belooshi has set records for artificial joint surgeries using AI and robotic tools.
These examples demonstrate the clear case for robotics in advancing critical SDGs, and how Abu Dhabi is leading the way in shaping a transformative future. But the conference also addressed wider issues such as how humans will co-exist with robots.
Human-robot interaction
The major thrust of IROS is bringing robotics professionals together to encourage multidisciplinary cross-collaboration.
The organizers were especially keen to spotlight emerging researchers and their work through workshops, technical sessions, and competitions.
But the conference is also clear-sighted about ensuring that robots and humans work together, rather than machines displacing people.
Human-robot interaction was a particular area of focus, exploring how robots could be useful as assistive aids, as well as in healthcare, education, and customer service.
Other discussions dove into the ethics, regulatory frameworks, and societal impacts of robotics, spanning responsible AI, privacy, and the effects of automation on labor markets.
These explorations highlight the importance of taking a collaborative, cross-sector approach – one embodied by IROS 2024’s main sponsor, the Khalifa University Center for Autonomous Robotic Systems (KUCARS).
Center for Autonomous Robotic Systems
KUCARS is the UAE’s leading robotics research center, boasting state-of-the-art research labs and a thriving community of robotics experts.
The center is home to an impressive portfolio of robotics projects, sharing IROS’ commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration. For example, KUCARS recently signed an agreement with agricultural company Silal to develop agri-robotics solutions for improving food security.
Another partnership with Stanford University is developing marine robots for ocean monitoring, cleaning, and deep-water exploration. The team has already debuted a robot capable of removing plastic waste from a simulated ocean environment. In the long-term, marine robots could become invaluable for better understanding marine ecosystems.
Alongside desert agriculture and ocean exploration, primary areas of focus for KUCARS include autonomous transport and infrastructure inspection.
Robots of tomorrow
A robotics-powered future still feels distant. But KUCARS operates under the belief that robots are essentially “embodied AI.” And with AI’s rapid acceleration, the widespread use of robotics is fast becoming a reality.
IROS and KUCARS both demonstrate the critical role robots can play in transitioning to a cleaner, greener economy. But they also emphasize the importance of cross-sector collaboration for ensuring robotics is harnessed effectively, and ethically.
In its support of such multidisciplinary, sustainable approaches to robotics, Abu Dhabi is forging a future in which robots can help humanity overcome its most pressing challenges.
Discover more insights
from IROS 2024 in Abu Dhabi