Category: Technology

SHANGHAI: Shanghai Ocean University unveiled an intelligent soft-bodied bionic fish in the shape of a manta ray, named Wen Yao, on Saturday after over 10 years of research and development.

According to China Daily, the bionic fish, with a wingspan measuring 1 metre and weighing 35 kilogrammes, features all domestically produced key components. It touts several advantages, including high efficiency, minimal energy consumption, versatile functionality, and exceptional mobility.

“Based on the behaviour of the real fish, we made bionic efforts in various aspects such as its form, movement, structure and materials, and achieved Wen Yao’s biological outer contour fitting and dynamic motion simulation,” said Chen Xinjun, head of the university’s School of Marine Living Resources and Management.

With advantages such as high efficiency, energy saving, low noise and concealment, the bionic fish can be widely used in ocean fishing, deep sea exploration and other fields, contributing to the development of the marine e
conomy and defending national sovereignty, according to the expert.

Chen said the bionic fish boasts big payload space. Equipped with high-precision sensors, imaging sonar scanning devices and other artificial intelligent technologies, it can help underwater monitoring and analysis in a more flexible way with lower costs.

In addition to the shape of manta rays, the research team has also developed other forms of bionic fish including dolphins and moray reels. Moreover, the university recently signed agreements with a company in Shanghai to jointly develop soft-bodied bionic fish and to expand its market applications.

According to the university, the bionic fish will be equipped with smart chips in the future and is expected to provide support in sectors such as marine science, environmental protection, and economic development.

Source: Emirates News Agency

GENEVA: The Hong Kong delegation has achieved a notable feat at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, held from April 17 to 21. Comprising approximately 700 representatives from diverse organisations, the delegation garnered an unprecedented number of awards, underscoring the city’s profound prowess in innovation and technology.

As per a report from China Daily, The International Exhibition of Inventions, inaugurated in 1972, stands as one of the foremost and comprehensive events of its nature globally. In the current edition, more than 1,000 inventions from 38 countries and regions were showcased.

Hong Kong’s delegation, the largest ever, included representatives from universities, research centers, laboratories, technology companies, government departments, and educational institutions. The city’s innovators received an impressive tally of six Special Awards, 28 Gold Medals with Congratulations of Jury, and 114 Gold Medals.

The prize list was largely dominated by universities in Hong
Kong, notably including the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, all of which secured their highest number of awards to date. Professor Tim Cheng Kwang-Ting, Vice-President for Research and Development at HKUST, conveyed his pride in the university’s winning teams, emphasizing that their achievements underscore the institution’s outstanding capabilities in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge dissemination.

The Hong Kong delegation’s Special Awards span a diverse range of applications, including biomedicine and artificial intelligence. HKUST’s project on therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) won the Prize of the Chinese Delegation for Invention and Innovation and the Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury. This groundbreaking research offers new possibilities for developing AD therapeutics and presents a simpler, less invasive, and safer alternative t
o traditional AD treatment approaches.

The Nano and Advanced Materials Institute, an applied research and development center under the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government’s Innovation and Technology Commission, also made a significant impact at the exhibition. The institute secured seven Gold medals, nine Silver, and one Bronze for its innovative technologies, such as an ultra-stable lithium metal battery with a 3D nanostructured anode, an intelligent floor mat for elderly fall injury prevention, and a flexible circuit board with superior high-speed transmission performance.

Sun Dong, the secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, praised the delegation’s success, stating that the record-breaking number of awards not only demonstrates international recognition of Hong Kong’s research and scientific achievements but also exemplifies the city’s strong foundation in innovation and technology, positioning it to become a global hub in these fields.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with “Location Mind”, a leading Japanese company in the field of research, big data analysis, learning data, and geographic information engineering.

Signed on the sidelines of the 10th session of the Abu Dhabi Japan Economic Council, held in the capital Abu Dhabi, the MoU aims to improve innovation in utilising data and supporting traffic analysis tasks, in a manner that is consistent with the emirate’s futuristic vision.

The MoU highlights the importance of coordination and collaboration in various areas. These include the development of data utilisation frameworks and the provision of comprehensive real-time data visualisation and analysis in Abu Dhabi.

This collaboration aims to leverage advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to analyse traffic flow and traffic congestion, predict accidents, and enhance the operati
on of traffic signals, among other uses.

The MoU has sets out a plan to develop smart city applications, including dynamic public transport information and alerts pertaining to population density and movements during events and special occasions, while utilising the assets of the Integrated Transport Centre to gather spatial data.

This partnership fortifies the emirate’s ability to deliver sustainable and efficient transport services and supports continuous development to enhance service quality, while reinforcing technology and innovation, and enhancing vital sectors.

On the sidelines of the signing ceremony, participants reviewed the ITC’s experience in establishing a smart and sustainable transport system that facilitates the movement of residents and visitors alike in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, reinforces road safety and security, and support the goals of sustainable development, that is in line with the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership.

Moreover, the ITC is adopting several pioneering projects, suc
h as launching first hydrogen-powered taxi and Automated Rapid Transit – ART that support the goals of comprehensive development and implement the concept of sustainable development in the field of transport. This is achieved through adopting modern technology and environment sustainability.

Therefore, the ITC is currently developing innovative transport solutions that ensure an efficient and smooth traffic flow, aiming to create a future where everyone is able to access safe and convenient transport means according to the highest international standards.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi University (ADU) featured amongst the high ranks published by the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

The University showed significant advancement in the Social Sciences and Management in broad subject areas, ascending 163 places, now ranking first in the UAE and 288 globally.

ADU has also demonstrated remarkable growth across several narrow subject areas, achieving an outstanding advancement of 100 places in Business and Management Studies, ranking 151-200 globally, first in the UAE, and a rise of 50 places in Engineering – Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing ranking 401-450 globally.

For the first time, ADU entered the Accounting and Finance narrow subject ranking, securing a global position in the 251-300 range and second in the UAE. Similarly, ADU has made its debut in the Engineering – Electrical and Electronic ranking, placed in the 501-530 rankings bracket. Additionally, as a first-time entry, the University secured a global position in t
he 551-600 range in the Computer Science and Information Systems ranking.

Furthermore, ADU’s Engineering and Technology’s narrow subject areas received an increase in the overall score. Notably, the highest improvement was received in the Computer Science and Information Systems ranking.

Compared to the 2023 rankings, both the overall score for Engineering and Technology and its specific subject areas have increased in the rankings. Remarkably among the three narrow subject areas, the highest increase in citations was witnessed in Computer Science and Information Systems. In addition, Engineering – Electrical and Electronic experienced the most significant boost in the Academic Reputation and Institutional Research Network (IRN).

Commenting on the ranking, Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of ADU, said, ‘We are honoured to be recognised once again by the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. This achievement is a testament to the relentless dedication of our faculty and staff towards
the advancement of the University’s programs and academic experience.

‘At ADU, we are committed to providing our students and faculty with global accreditations and programs to navigate the challenges of tomorrow and transform them into opportunities to contribute to the development march of the UAE.’

Source: Emirates News Agency

JEZKAZGAN: The first Belarusian participant in space flight Marina Vasilevskaya, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky, and NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara returned to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS), according to the Russian News Agency TASS.

The crew returned from the station on board the Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft, which landed southeast of the Kazakh city of Jezkazgan. Rescuers headed to the descent vehicle to help the crew members get out.

O’Hara arrived at the ISS in September 2023 aboard the Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft, while Novitsky and Vasilevskaya arrived at the ISS on March 25 this year aboard the Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft as part of a two-week visit.

When the Soyuz MS-25 was launched into low Earth orbit on March 23, Vasilevskaya became the first citizen of Belarus to reach space. On Earth, Vasilevskaya works as a flight attendant for Belavia Airlines.

Source: Emirates News Agency

BEIJING: China’s Five-hundred-metre Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST), the world’s largest filled-aperture telescope, is set to open its 2024 observation season to global applications starting midnight on 6th April.

According to a report by China Central Television, FAST will accept global applications for free observation projects between August 2024 and July 2025, and applications can be submitted through the official website of China’s FAST.

“Global scientists can apply for their observations in 2024 through this channel. Since its operation, we have received applications from 15 countries,” said Sun Chun, engineer in charge of measurement and control of the FAST.

According to Sun, the 15 countries include Germany, Italy and France, and the applications mainly involve fast radio burst observations, pulsar observations, and neutral hydrogen surveys.

Located in a deep and round karst depression in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, the FAST officially opened to international scientists on 31st M
arch 2021. And since then, it has approved a total of nearly 900 hours of observation access for foreign research teams.

Having earned a doctorate in pulsar astrophysics at the University of Manchester, British astronomer Ralph Eatough works as a pulsar astronomer at the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Eatough said opening up the FAST to the world means that now astronomers have the possibility to perform experiments that were previously not possible due to insufficient telescope sensitivity, and that a prime example is the potential to detect pulsars located in external galaxies.

Engineers at the control centre are diligently monitoring real-time observations, such as pulsar searches, displayed on screens updating with data streaming in from space, working to ensure that the FAST becomes even more stable and efficient.

Currently, the telescope logs about 5,300 hours of observation time annually, playing an instrumental role in the continuous output of scientific re
search achievements.

The FAST is currently undertaking observation tasks for scientific objectives such as pulsar search, pulsar timing, neutral hydrogen sky survey, and fast radio bursts.

With exceptional sensitivity, the FAST has detected over 890 pulsars as of the beginning of this year, more than triple the combined total detected by similar telescopes abroad during the same period.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: Building on Emirates Health Services’ (EHS) track record of accomplishments, the Occupational Radiation Monitoring Laboratory at the Radiation Protection Centre has attained the ISO certificate for its exceptional performance in measurement and calibration.

This milestone reflects the international recognition of the lab’s efficiency and competence in delivering precise and dependable results. It plays a pivotal role in providing essential occupational radiation monitoring services to professionals in radiation-related fields, contributing significantly to radiation protection efforts within the country.

This achievement is a result of EHS’ efforts to excel and in alignment with its strategy in developing services and ensuring their inclusivity and integration following the best global practices, as well as enhancing service quality and achieving global competitiveness. The laboratory stands as one of the essential pillars within EHS to support the radiation protection infrastructure in the UAE.

Dr.
Abdalla Alnaqbi, Acting Executive Director of the Clinical Support Services Sector at EHS, stressed Emirates Health Services’ commitment to refining its operational framework and embedding quality principles in its services to achieve its vision of becoming a global leader in delivering exceptional services. He viewed the ISO accreditation of the Occupational Radiation Monitoring Laboratory as a tangible manifestation of unified governmental endeavours at the federal level aimed at enhancing the quality of services for the public and the community.

Dr. Amina AlJasmi, Director of the Radiology Department at EHS, commended the laboratory for its capacity to fulfil stringent quality standards, embrace cutting-edge technological advancements, and elevate global competitiveness in excellence and leadership standards.

Dr. Amina explained that the accreditation committee conducted a comprehensive on-site evaluation of all factors in the laboratory that could impact the production of technical information. The eval
uation criteria are based on an international scale for assessing laboratories globally, focusing on the laboratory’s ability to generate accurate and reliable data for tests and calibrations. She affirmed that this achievement reflects the proficiency of the specialised team and its effective role in enhancing cooperation with international entities.

Maryam AlHajri, Head of the Radiation Protection Center, expressed sincere appreciation to strategic partners, represented by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation and the International Atomic Energy Agency, for their fundamental and effective role in supporting the laboratory. She also highlighted that this certification will enhance the centre’s position as a key reference in the field of radiation protection and radiation safety in the country.

The Radiation Protection Centre is recognised as one of the leading entities in the UAE for providing services and consultations in the field of radiation and radiation safety. It continuously strives to enhan
ce the quality of its services by applying the latest international standards and practices.

Source: Emirates News Agency

SHARJAH: BEEAH, the region’s pioneer in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to advance sustainability efforts, is taking another leap forward by developing a new ‘AI Executive’ to revolutionise business decision-making.

The AI Executive underscores BEEAH’s commitment to driving agility, efficiency and data-driven operations. The company has revealed that its ‘AI Executive’ is being developed on a proprietary Language Learning Model (LLM), capable of simplifying complex, historical data into meaningful insights that will inform and empower employees from the leadership to senior executives and their teams to make decisions in their relevant functions or industries.

As an LLM, the AI Executive will be capable of understanding and providing information based on intuitive language queries, both written and spoken. It will tailor responses to output relevant insights to further enhance organisational agility and increase efficiency.

BEEAH has long been using AI to drive sustainability and create new efficie
ncies across its industries of operation. The company’s headquarters, an iconic landmark designed by Zaha Hadid, is one of the Middle East’s first fully AI-integrated buildings and is certified LEED Platinum. Leveraging Microsoft’s Azure Cloud and Johnson Controls Open Blue platform, the BEEAH Headquarters uses AI and digital twin technology for energy optimisation and predictive maintenance.

BEEAH has also used AI within its industries, including waste management. Its waste collection and city cleaning fleet comprises advanced vehicles fitted with 360-degree cameras integrated with AI. BEEAH’s AI City Vision technology logs instances of overflowing bins or streets with litter, sharing insights on optimising service coverage and conducting awareness campaigns. Similarly, BEEAH’s Commercial and Industrial (C and I) facility is equipped with an AI Vision robot that automatically identifies and segregates different types of waste, enabling faster and more accurate recovery of valuable, high-quality alternative
materials.

Speaking about the project, Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO and Vice Chairman of BEEAH, said, ‘As we grow and diversify as an organisation, we are constantly building systems, generating data and gaining intelligence across different functions and industry operations.

Over the past decade, we have been using future technologies proactively, including AI and digital twins, which have enabled us to drive towards targets both from the standpoint of sustainability and business. The new AI executive will be a singular source that unites and amplifies our digitalisation efforts to date, drawing data and authenticating our sources and systems to enable leadership and their teams to make well-informed, holistic decisions and accelerate innovation.’

Utilising machine learning, the AI Executive will use big data from BEEAH’s digital infrastructure to generate insights. Access management will ensure data security and privacy, providing personalised recommendations based on relevant individual attributes. By
drawing from existing digital systems and building on them, the AI Executive helps technological systems be future-ready, minimising the need for frequent updates and maintenance.

‘The AI Executive will be a reliable, digital advisor that captures real-time data from across our digital systems and assets. Through text and speech, leadership can seamlessly gain the insights they need in a timely manner, enhancing visibility and promoting effective alignment across the organisation,’ added Khaled Al Huraimel.

BEEAH has already formed a team to develop the AI Executive in-house, while working with leading technology providers to ensure the solution is secure, effectively learns from the company’s historical data and provides tailored insights.

Nearly a decade ago, the UAE launched the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence of 2031, with the goal of being the most AI-prepared nation. In alignment with the UAE’s future-ready strategy. According to PwC, the annual growth rate for AI in the Middle East ran
ges from 20 to 34 per cent, projecting a potential impact of $320 billion by 2030.

‘In line with the national agenda for AI preparedness and economic diversification, BEEAH has continued to pursue AI over the past decade. The AI Executive is the next frontier of AI technology at BEEAH, acting as a singular source to bring together insights from all our systems, platforms and technologies in order to further drive innovation, efficiency, growth and ultimately add greater value to our stakeholders and cities of operation,’ said Khaled Al Huraimel.

BEEAH has invested in digitalisation and future technologies through ventures like EVOTEQ and re.life. EVOTEQ’s SmartTrack is used by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention for “Tatmeen”, ensuring medicine integrity. re.life’s platforms facilitate virtual recyclables trading and logistics, driving value from waste. Additionally, BEEAH has formed the Khazna Sharjah joint venture to develop the region’s first waste-to-energy powered data centre, setting new sustain
ability standards.

Source: Emirates News Agency