Dubai - There were drones, ventilators, and autonomous equipment - all developed by Emirati engineers.
Published: Mon 29 Jun 2020, 12:00 AM
Updated: Tue 30 Jun 2020, 8:52 AM
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday inaugurated the Dubai Future Labs (DFL), a unique global hub that will develop future technologies and produce the latest, life-changing innovations.
During Sheikh Mohammed's tour of the lab on Monday, the DFL gave presented the projects and tech wonders it has created so far. There were drones, ventilators, and autonomous equipment - all developed by Emirati engineers.
It was an impressive showcase, for which the Emirati youth earned praise. Hailing their talent and determination, Sheikh Mohammed said: "Rains start with a drop and a journey of 1,000 miles starts with a step. What I saw today were drops of rain and the long miles our youth have travelled in the journey of new technology applications."
The UAE is betting on the future, he affirmed. "This is a future that is powered by science and technology. We are betting on the human mind that does not understand the word 'impossible'."
What is the Dubai Future Labs?
Supervised by the Dubai Future Foundation, the DFL is a platform designed to be the first applied research and development (R&D) lab, specialising in future technology research, prototyping, business modeling and deploying technological solutions in the UAE and the region.
Besides R&D, the lab also ensures that tech solutions will go beyond exhibitions and benefit people in a real-world setting.
By exploring global technology trends, practices, and state-of-the-art emerging technology applications, the DFL acts as a collaborative bridge between academic research, industry, and key players in technology.
Sheikh Mohammed said the lab would provide a global destination to develop the latest applied research and technologies; enhance the culture of innovation; and address the demands of local markets.
The UAE Vice-President tweeted: "Today, we have launched Dubai Future Labs as part of our belief in the importance of investing in the applied R&D sector in Dubai and the UAE the labs specialised in future tech R&D will build national capacities and shape solutions in Fourth Industrial Revolution sectors such as robotics, AI, and automation."
Dubai Future Labs' projects
> M061 ventilator
The DFL team has sucessfully built ventilator models that meet the gap in supply in the local health sector amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Called M061, the ventilator is made from components that can be easily sourced, assembled, and deployed as needed, with a focus on durability and efficiency.
The team has used the available basic resources and easily accessible interchangeable components to facilitate the task of physicians and healthcare workers in the current scenario, where medical equipment and components are increasingly scarce globally.
The crucial healthcare project is a partnership venture between Dubai Future Foundation, the Office of the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Dubai COVID-19 Command and Control Centre, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Health Authority, Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, as well as government agencies, research centres, international institutions, and startups.
> Commercial drones, autonomous ground vehicles
The DFL team is currently engaged in an innovative project that leverages drone technology, autonomous ground vehicles, and the latest shipping and storage solutions in the delivery services sector.
The growing reliance on online shopping, as well as the social distancing measures in place during the Covid-19 pandemic, have led to a surge in demand for fast and efficient delivery services.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
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