Khalifa University of Science and Technology announced that an array of 13 diverse forums highlighting the impact of robotics on various sectors will be part of the 36th edition of the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2024) in Abu Dhabi – the first global event of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Themed Robotics for Sustainable Development, IROS 2024 will run from 14th to 18th October 2024 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and has already attracted several thousand researchers, academics, leading corporate figures, and industry professionals from across the world. The 13 forums will run across four days, covering the rapid development of robotics technologies and their relevance to policymakers, socio-economic impact, the role of multiple avatars, human-robot coexistence, opportunities for industrial sectors, and the future of robots.

Dr. Jorge Dias, IROS 2024 General Chair, said, “The IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems 2024 includes 13 forums that impact every aspect of an increasingly digitalised world. From sustainable development to government funding and human-robot coexistence, these forums will not only offer a platform for experts to share their perspectives on the role of robotics in the future but also provide insights from researchers and academics on the way forward. Each forum is designed to highlight the recent advancements and provide impetus to guide the course of future developments in this key area of science that will have a comprehensive social, economic, and intellectual impact.”

The forum on “Robots for Sustainability and Sustainable Robots” on 15th October will first set the scene with contributions from prominent experts and will include a presentation on how robotics and AI can take care of the world, with models, design solutions, and technologies that will make future robots sustainable.

16th October will see feature forums on “Europe Regulates Artificial Intelligence: the Challenge for Robotics”, “Government Forum: Funding for Robotics Research”, “Robotics in Africa Forum, and Robotics and AI in the UAE: Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship”.

The IROS 2024 forums, scheduled for 17 October 2024, include “Human-Avatars Symbiosis: Can you imagine a future society where you can remotely control multiple avatars?”, “Empowering Diverse Voices in Robotics, Sustainable Medical and Surgical Robotics”, and “Moonshot R&D Program Goal 3 Forum: Envisioning a Future of Human-Robot Co-living: Potential for Robotics to Transform Human Lives”.

On the final day, the forums titled “Marine Robotics in the Ocean Decade Initiative for Sustainable Development”, “The Future of Work: AI-Enhanced Robotics and Human Interaction Research in M3S”, “Industrial Opportunities and Socio-Economic Impact of Medical Robotics”, and “Robots for a Better Tomorrow: Wellbeing Through Advanced Technology” will take place.

IROS 2024 will also demonstrate the next generation of sustainable robotics as well as exhibits spotlighting the latest robotics technologies and products. Poster sessions, keynotes, panel discussions, and networking events are also lined up for this major international conference.