GITEX highlights: Coolest tech on display

As GITEX Technology Week 2019 draws to a close, there were three technological innovations that stole the show this year. Check out the highlights below.

For the bike fanatics as well as everyone else at GITEX, this 4-week motorcycle was one of the biggest highlights of the week. Powered by 5G, four jet turbines, and a 5.2 litre Maserati V8 engine, this motorcycle delivers 470 brake horse power and switch from riding mode to flight mode in just 60 seconds — at just a press of a button.

The Lazareth LM847 was built in France and was displayed at the Etisalat space at GITEX this year. The motorbike weighs 140 kg and produces approximately 240 kgs of thrust when in flight mode.

With a price tag of USD 560,000 the Lazareth LM847 is one innovation that has amazed many visitors this week. Although the price tag cannot be afforded by everyone, it is an innovation. We’re curious to see how it will be licensed to run on the roads of Dubai as it needs one to train in the flight mode.

The much theorised and debated future of mobility — hyperloop travel — was demonstrated at GITEX this year. Visitors got to see inside the hyperloop passenger pod prototype.

Hyperloop One is expected to become commercially operational by 2027-2028.

Harj Dhaliwal, managing director for Middle East and India at Virgin Hyperloop One, was reported saying, "We have a vision to connect Gulf region which will enable travelling from Abu Dhabi to Riyadh in 48 minutes and from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in 11 minutes. It will gives an unparalleled advantage on how the whole region, when it is connected, can become an effective zone economically."

Dhaliwal also added that “We started India ahead of GCC but it is taking more time to start there; procedures and approvals are faster here in the GCC and the track record is quite amazing.”

Another highlight of the Etisalat stand at GITEX 2019 was the showcase of Furhat Robotics’ social robot.

Visitors got to interact with the robot that, in addition to listening and speaking, uses light projections on its face to display emotions and maintain eye contact, which are all powered by artificial intelligence.

The self-claimed “world’s most social robot” does have immense potential in the real world, especially in retail. The CEO of Furhat Robotics, Samer Al Moubayed, said that they were looking to discover and develop partnerships to launch in the region.