Link February 2017 | Page 10

Knowledge News

Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge 2017 to be Launched at Yas Marina Circuit

Twenty-six teams from fifteen countries to showcase advanced robotics technologies at first-of-its-kind contest in the region

Under the prestigious patronage of H . H . Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan , Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces , Abu Dhabi will be hosting the first edition of the Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge ( MBZIRC ) from March 16 to 18 , 2017 at the Yas Island Marina Circuit . The event is organized by Khalifa University and is sponsored by the Information and Communication Technology Fund ( ICTF ) as a Strategic Sponsor , Abu Dhabi National Oil Company ( ADNOC ) as a Platinum Sponsor , and Norinco as a Gold Sponsor .

The debut contest is the first of its kind in the region , and the biggest of its kind worldwide . It provides a strategic platform for highlighting the latest developments in the field of robotics and will feature 26 teams from 15 countries . The innovative competition will see unmanned ground vehicles ( UGV ) and unmanned aerial vehicles ( UAV ) work with , and against each other , in a series of challenges .

The biennial competition aims to extensively promote the capabilities and uses of robots and reveal their advanced technological capabilities in the areas of navigation , cooperation , perception , and maneuvers using integrated ecosystems . It will host elite designers , innovators , and programmers from different universities and robotics organization around the globe . Winners will be awarded total prize winnings and team sponsorship worth USD 5 million – one of the biggest prizes in the world for such an event .

Dr . Arif Sultan Al Hammadi , Khalifa University ’ s Executive Vice President , said : “ This challenge is an excellent opportunity for the

10 February 2017