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AI and Robotics

GEMS Education’s new Centre of Excellence for AI and Robotics will promote and deliver outstanding future-technology learning experiences for students

The launch of a new Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at GEMS Dubai American Academy (DAA) is a response to the rapid rate of technological changes in today’s world. The new Centre aims to ensure current models of education remain relevant to the dynamic nature of industry as well as promote educational and research activities in the field of AI and robotics. It will help to bridge the gap between businesses and educators with a capability to harness the energy of the academic world with state-of-the-art AI and robotics technologies, while serving as a platform for intelligence-sharing and technology collaboration in these areas.

Commenting on the Centre of Excellence, Sreejit Chakrabarty, Director of Robotics & Artificial Intelligence at DAA as well as Robotics, STEAM and Artificial Intelligence Network Leader at TELLAL, said: “The idea behind the GEMS Education Centres of Excellence is to bridge the gap that exists between K-12 education, higher education and the workforce.

DAA’s Centre of Excellence offers a Mixed Reality Zone featuring virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR) and augmented reality (AR) with Unity 3D software

In doing so, we can bring the expert knowledge that exists in the industries right down to a school-going student. We are partnering with local and global universities as well as industries in building new learning and developmental pathways, allowing our students to get exposed to future skillsets and potential future jobs.”

DAA’s Centre of Excellence offers a range of cutting-edge technologies such as a Mixed Reality Zone featuring virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR) and augmented reality (AR) manufactured hardware from Facebook, Microsoft and HTC, with software like Unity 3D. The Centre also features a self-driving car – an autonomous, customised and fully electric Renault Twizy.

DAA’s Centre of Excellence features an electric self-driving car

“At DAA, we realise that everything we love about civilisation is a product of intelligence,” continued Sreejit. “Which means amplifying our human intelligence with artificial intelligence has the potential to help civilisation flourish like never before – as long as we manage to keep the technology beneficial. Our Centre of Excellence gives our students access to cutting-edge technology and research opportunities and exposes them to real-life challenges, encouraging them to solve the same using AI and other exponentially emerging technologies.”

In the robotics segment, the Centre showcases the Baxter Robotic Arm, a collaborative research robotic arm that is capable of advanced facial recognition and machine learning using industry-grade ROS (Robot Operating System) and Python coding. There are also assembly line robotic arms in the form of the Dobot Magician robotic arm industry 4.0 setup, which mimics an assembly line using varied end effectors such as grippers, suction cups and laser engravers.

The Centre of Excellence gives students at DAA access to AI and emerging cutting-edge technologies and exposes them to real-life challenges

What exactly is in the Centre of Excellence for AI and Robotics?

Mixed Reality Zone
• Using VR, MR and AR manufactured hardware from Facebook, Microsoft and HTC, with software like Unity 3D.

Self-Driving Car
• An autonomous, customised and fully electric Renault Twizy that has been retro-fitted with cameras, radars, and LIDARS by Velodyne.
The car showcases self-driving technology and the future of urban mobility.

Baxter Robotic Arm
• Collaborative research robotic arm, capable of advanced facial recognition and machine learning using industry-grade ROS (Robot Operating System) and Python coding.

Assembly Line Robotic Arms
• Dobot Magician robotic arm industry 4.0 setup, mimicking an assembly line using varied end effectors such as grippers, suction cups and laser engravers.

Coding Zone and EEG Brain Scanning Technology
• Tobii Iris Tracking for advanced computer accessibility.
• Emotive Epoc+ Scientific Contextual EEG to monitor brain waves and gather brain data to be used in many ways, including controlling various hardware.

Mini-Maker Space
• Equipment including multicoloured printing by Delta 3D printers, vacuum forming machines, a CNC router and a multi-tool 3D printer including an edible food paste injector.

Media Zone
• YouTube video production using greenscreen technology, as well as live teleconferencing with university professors and industry experts remotely.

Focus Area
• A space that provides an environment conducive to innovative thinking and collaborative brainstorming.