Gitex updates: Smart technology and robots in focus
Etisalat demonstrates smart retail
Etisalat is demonstrating the retail spaces of tomorrow at GITEX Global 2021 with futuristic solutions that will transform the brick-and-mortar experience setting the pace for digital retail and enabling a digital experience for consumers.
The main sections of smart retail focus on grocery smart checkout solutions, food and beverages, lifestyle and connected fashion and retail dashboard. There are advanced AI use cases, machine learning and computer vision all with Etisalat’s payment’s functionality integrated to demonstrate the capability of providing complete end-to-end solutions in this domain with enhancements like wearables and facial recognition for payments.
As soon as a visitor enters the smart retail area, they begin their shopping experience with a Caper smart cart enabled by AI moving to an augmented shopping experience from Innovent (Mojix) with a backend dashboard simulating all transactions, biometrics from Fujitsu’s Fulcrum adds to the contactless experience and a smart check out from Bizerba.
Other retail solutions just add to the holistic retail experience: advanced delivery solutions from Kiwibot; an unmanned store technology called Vicki with automated vending machine; and Pickey’s smart wearable captures all actions made by the user. SuperHii highlights a seamless checkout solution, which is also a great example of how Etisalat’s eWallet and Smiles can be integrated.
For those in need of that well-deserved coffee or smoothie break, Ella, Knext and Alberts' automated solutions are another example of unmanned retail technology. Even this year, smart garden solutions are on display from Natufia, highlighting how IoT and connected machines can get one fresh vegetables every day.
Ajman Free Zone launches “Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Hub”
In support of the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI) 2031, the Ajman Free Zone announced the launch of its “Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Hub” at GITEX Global 2021.
The free zone, which is part of the Ajman Government’s pavilion, said that its new integrated Centre provides digital access to its services such as company registration, visa sponsorship, residence visa application, and many more. More than 9,000 companies and institutions operating in its community will benefit from its fully digital business system.
The Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Hub will empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs), large companies, academic institutions, and government entities. Apart from having digital access to services, enterprises and organizations registered with the free zone can also leverage the hub to develop, enhance and promote their products and services, as well as join training programs and events such as webinars.
Software AG announces region’s first IoT Academy
Software AG has announced the region’s first IoT academy aimed at providing learners with the knowledge and skills to build and lead IoT-based transformations, boost the tech industry and stimulate IoT adoption. Launching in January 2022, the academy is in line with UAE Vision of building a knowledge-based economy and the most advanced IoT ecosystem.
The sessions will operate bi-anually offering a multitude of learning opportunities to foster widespread adoption of this dynamic technology among professionals, students as well tech enthusiasts and freelancers. Software AG will provide the participants with the requisite devices, technology and architecture required for this program. Each program will include 12 weeks of intensive IoT-focused courses and live workshops with a techathon finale of use case designs and Software AG credentials for participants.
Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone and CoinMENA partner to develop a Crypto Asset and Blockchain Hub
Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone and CNMENA Holding, the parent company of CoinMENA, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a Crypto Asset and Blockchain Hub at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The agreement was signed at the Future Blockchain Summit.
CoinMENA is the Sharia-compliant digital asset exchange company licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain.
Through the MoU, the two entities intend to collaborate to develop a Crypto Asset and Blockchain Hub that encourages top regional and international firms to establish a presence within the DWTC Free Zone. With DWTC providing a unique and regulated ecosystem for businesses seeking local and international opportunities, the DWTC Free Zone is an ideal environment for startups, SMEs and corporations to operate locally while reaching international markets. DWTC and CNMENA Holding will also work together to shape the development of an optimal regulatory environment within the DWTC Free Zone.
HCT collaborates with Injazat to boost research & student work programs
The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and Injazat have agreed to collaborate under a wide-ranging collaboration agreement that will help its applied research and graduate readiness capabilities.
The agreement was signed at Injazat’s state-of-the-art InGenius Lab and addresses collaborative endeavours in joint research projects, as well as student internship and mentorship programs centered on major educational sector issues, using emerging technologies, which will ultimately lead to publication of co-authored white papers. Both HCT and Injazat will also consider developing knowledge-exchange partnerships in the fields of healthcare, technology, oil and gas.
As part of the proposed collaboration, Injazat will consider providing entrepreneurial mentorship and advice to HCT students, complementing HCT’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship program. It will also explore opportunities to support HCT Computer Information Sciences students, particularly those studying cybersecurity, networking, and business solutions, with work placements and internships.
In turn, HCT students will participate in a series of hackathons, using Injazat’s InGenius Methodology, in order to examine HCT’s digital transformation requirements.
