RTEX Set to Host First-ever Robotics and Automation Conference in the UAE

• Event to Shape Dubai’s Role as Robotics and Automation Hub in MENA Region
• Agenda to Include Robotics Competition for Students to Encourage Scientific Research and Development

Dubai-UAE: 18 March, 2014 - Robot Technology Exhibition (RTEX) is gearing up to host the Middle East and Africa’s first-ever robotics and automation conference. The day-long pre-launch to the RTEX exhibition in Dubai will serve as a platform for government and industry leaders to examine how the emirate can position itself as a regional hub for the robotics and automation industry.

The conference scheduled for May 12 at The Meydan will welcome experts and thought leaders from the information and intelligence technology disciplines. Dr Nikolaos Mavridis, Director of Interactive Robots and Media Lab and renowned researcher at Greece’s National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, will offer the event’s keynote address focusing on Robot Technology (RT) and related topics, such as the regional development of robotics and automation and strategies and steps to establish a robotic business.

Outlining the steady growth of futuristic technology in the region and its applications in healthcare, education, infrastructure, military, aeronautics and aviation, and security domains, the event will spotlight Dubai’s developing role the regional automation market that is projected to grow at a CAGR of over six per cent up to 2016.

Jalal Jassbi, Managing Director at Palladium, organisers of RTEX said, “Robotics and intelligent automation systems is a very exciting and promising field with universal applications, and therefore, no matter what your background is, you will find something interesting at the event. Over the past few years, the industry has seen tremendous growth worldwide. The UAE is an acknowledged early adopter of state-of-the-art robotics technologies. A good example from daily life in the city includes the driverless Dubai Metro, the world’s longest fully-automated metro network. Ibn Sina - the world’s first Arabic language dialogic android robot developed by Interactive Robots and Media Lab while at the UAE University in Al Ain is an engineering marvel and highlights the seamless creativity and potential of the human mind.

“The UAE has introduced service robots across several industries; we can see robot automation systems used in car parks, for facilities management, and even in agricultural fields. The Emirates Identity Authority’s current project on developing and using drones to deliver documentation shows the potential growth of such technology in this region. By applying intelligent service robots to enterprises and existing technology, we can leverage resources effectively, contribute to cost optimisation and greater sustainability in the Middle East. RTEX is proud to present quality innovations, whose applications can be instrumental in making the UAE’s vision for ‘smart cities’ a reality, helping it chart yet another unparalleled success story.”

The RTEX conference will also host the annual Robotic Competition of the University of Wollongong Dubai (UOWD) which aims to promote scientific research and sophisticated technology development among the UAE youth. The competition was launched in 2010 and has attracted widespread interest. The last edition of the competition welcomed 80 regional teams to Dubai.

The RTEX conference in May is a precursor to the main RTEX event that will run from September 28-30, and serve as an exclusive B2B and B2C exhibition.