United Kingdom

Dubai is positioning itself as a global hub for artificial intelligence with an ambitious plan to train one million individuals in AI prompting over the next three years. This initiative, described as the first of its kind worldwide, was announced by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF). Speaking at the launch of the ‘One Million AI Prompters’ program, Sheikh Hamdan emphasized Dubai’s commitment to becoming the most future-ready city and leading in technological innovation.

NAVTOR has acquired software development company Masterloop, provider of IoT, AI, and web solutions. This will enhance NAVTOR’s innovation and development team, already bolstered by the acquisition of Voyager Worldwide in December. NAVTOR, headquartered in Norway, will focus on improving data-driven efficiency, performance, and decarbonization for its customers by integrating Masterloop’s solutions into its digital ecosystem.

The US National Park Service, Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition, and other organizations coordinated an unprecedented health assessment of General Sherman, the world’s largest known living tree, located in Sequoia National Park. This initiative marked the first use of an industrial-grade drone for such an inspection.

Milrem Robotics and AEC Skyline have integrated Starlink satellite communications into the THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), enabling remote control over extensive distances. This integration is intended to enhance safety and efficiency in military operations by allowing operators to manage the UGVs from secure locations far from the battlefield.

AI detects prostate cancer more frequently than radiologists. Additionally, AI issues half as many false alarms. This is evidenced by an international study coordinated by Radboudumc and published in The Lancet Oncology. This is the first major study where an international team transparently evaluates AI and compares it with radiologists’ assessments and clinical outcomes.

KPN uses AI for a wide range of applications. In addition to technical aspects, ethical considerations play an important role in determining where and how AI can be used. This is the theme of the presentation Lienke Vet gave during Hyperautomation 2024. As mediapartner of this event, Rocking Robots spoke with her about the challenges of responsibly deploying AI.

Researchers at Tsinghua University have developed an advanced robotic system capable of sorting garbage with high accuracy by mimicking the complex human sense of touch. Detailed in Applied Physics Reviews, the system utilizes tactile sensing and logical reasoning strategies to improve object recognition and classification.

At Vision, Robotics & Motion, Dormac Cobots/Doosan Robotics showcased two novelties for the first time in Europe: the P3020 Cobot and the Dart-Suite software platform. This combination highlights the trend that innovation in robotics involves both hardware and software. The Rocking Robots team interviewed Frank Epping about this.

A team of researchers has developed a quadruped robotic air sampler designed to navigate hazardous environments and test for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The robot, resembling a dog, is equipped with a mechanized arm capable of collecting air samples in dangerous situations such as abandoned buildings or fires. This innovation aims to protect humans from exposure to harmful chemicals.

Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Florida, recently completed its first robotic-assisted, minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). This development positions Morton Plant Hospital as one of only two facilities in the Tampa Bay area offering this advanced procedure.