The Emirates Robotics Competition opens the door for participation in its fourth session for university students
DUBAI, 21st May / WAM / Dubai Future Laboratories of the Dubai Future Foundation, in partnership with the University of Rochester Technology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Mohammed bin Rashid Library, and the American University of Sharjah, announced the opening of registration for university students in the country to participate in the fourth session of the “Emirates Robotics Competition.” Applications for participation will continue to be received through the website designated for the competition until May 31st, 2026.
In its current session, the competition focuses on the challenge of inventing, designing and implementing robotic models capable of performing logistical tasks that serve the major library sector, specifically returning retrieved books, volumes, encyclopedias and multimedia to their original locations on the shelves and in the designated storage spaces within the Mohammed bin Rashid Library.
The course of the competition is divided into two basic stages, starting with the simulation stage, which allows the teams to develop their solutions and test them in a virtual environment to evaluate their methodology and algorithms. The qualified teams then move to the practical application stage and implement the solutions on real robotic platforms within the library.
This initiative aims to empower a new generation of experts in the country, provide practical solutions to challenges using applied robotics, and link software simulation of robots with the practical application of their tasks, in addition to enhancing cooperation between academic circles, business sectors and industry.
The competition concludes with the selection of three winners by a jury composed of experts and specialists who will have unique opportunities to join the fellowship of strategic programs and initiatives at the Dubai Future Foundation and advanced academic and research institutions.
Khalifa Al Qama, Head of Research, Development and Innovation at the Dubai Future Foundation, confirmed that the objectives of the competition are in line with the “Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme” launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, which aims to place Dubai among the top ten cities in the world in adopting and developing robotics technologies within ten years, by giving students an open space to present and implement their creative ideas.
Dr. Mohammed Salem Al Mazrouei, a member of the Board of Directors of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, explained that this partnership translates the strategic vision to strengthen the institution’s position as a leading knowledge destination by employing advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to improve the efficiency of the operational system, and building an open innovation system that transforms students’ creative ideas into applied solutions that redefine the beneficiaries’ experience and accelerate knowledge content management processes.
Dr. Yousef Al-Assaf, President of Rochester University of Technology Dubai, pointed out that university students in the country have demonstrated their ability to design and build smart robotic systems that deal with real-life challenges, stressing the importance of building effective bridges between the academic and research community on the one hand, and the government and private sectors searching for smart solutions on the other hand, in a way that serves the national economy and supports the country’s position as a center for innovation.
His Excellency Professor Ibrahim Al-Hajri, President of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, stated that the fourth edition embodies the importance of employing advanced robots to support vital sectors, and provides a distinguished platform to enable students to apply their engineering and programming knowledge in realistic operating environments, which contributes to preparing national cadres capable of leading the future of technology, digital transformation, and the knowledge economy in the country.
Dr. Todd Laursen, Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah, pointed out that robots and automation have become among the basic pillars of building smarter services and stronger economies, considering that the competition’s focus on major libraries reflects the country’s forward-looking approach to developing talent and preparing students to contribute to the innovation agenda and shape the future of smart systems by providing more interactive and richer experiences for library patrons.
University students wishing to participate in the “Emirates Robotics Competition” can register via the electronic link: www.rit.edu/dubai/emirates-robotics-competition
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