RTEX conference examines role of robots in the UAE's education, healthcare and public sector

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12 May 2014 - Robotics technology could soon be making its way into the UAE classrooms to aid students with learning disabilities, according to experts who took part in the first RTEX (Robot Technology Exhibition) conference today. The discussion brought together global and local experts and close to 200 delegates, including UAE's key decision makers, to discuss the benefits of robotics and examine the emirate's role in becoming the robotics hub of the MENA region.

Globally, huge progress has been made in supporting learning needs of children, especially those with learning disabilities, autism and other pervasive developmental disorders. For example in many American school environments, robotics is already playing a big role in every day life.  Technology such as the RobotsLAB Box, is used widely in more than 300 U.S. schools today to encourage and stimulate interest in difficult to grasp subjects such as science and mathematics.

According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the global demand for industrial robots reached an all-time-high of about 168,000 units in 2013. By 2015, the IFR estimates the worldwide robot sales to increase by five percent on an average as a result of the opening up of huge consumer markets in the BRIC, South East Asia and the Middle East region.

Speaking on its usability and relevance in the UAE, Dr. Claus Risager, Partner and Director of Blue Ocean Robotics, said "Kids love to explore and are fascinated by robots and therefore they are the perfect tools for a range of significant improvements or even revolutions in the schools. For example, introducing more individually focused teaching, where there's a transformation from book and blackboard-based education to a one-to-one experimental way of learning. This helps children to learn faster, work together in groups, acquires expertise in problem solving, increase creativeness and innovation. This method also supports an entrepreneurship culture and more importantly there are significant improvements reported from teachers in their daily work, in addition to economic incentives for the school owners."

The RTEX conference also included insights from Mohammad Al-Shamsi, the Founder of Emirates Robotics Club, who spoke about the future of robotics from a young Emirati's point of view. Alongside, Dr. Nikolaos Mavridis, Director of Interactive Robots and Media Lab discussed the growth of robotics in the Middle East. The conference also included a session on the European robotic roadmap where Dr. José Barata, Assistant Professor (UNL) and Researcher (UNINOVA) shared new opportunities for cooperation with the MENA region.

Alongside the conference, UOWD hosted their annual robotic competition, which attracted participation from school students across the UAE. The contest established to promote science and engineering among school students saw more than 300 participants share new creative ideas from the field of robotics.

Jalal Jassbi, Managing Director, RTEX said, "The UAE has been quick to adopt the latest in robotics technology across various industries, the public sector in particular. Our aim is to build on these opportunities by brining together the technology experts and the end-users to address demand and challenges through robotics. The response has been encouraging and we hope to see the exchange of ideas and the discussions taking place at a regional level."

The RTEX conference was a prelude to the main exhibition that is scheduled to take place at The Meydan from 28 - 30 September 2014. For further information on the exhibition, please visit www.rt-exhibition.com

About RTEX
RTEX (Robot Technology Exhibition) is the first robotics and automation event in the Middle East and North Africa region. 'Better by Robot' as its key theme, the exhibition revolves around the idea that a future with robot technology will be a better and safer one for humanity. RTEX presents a distinguished source for companies and investors to enter a unique market and experience a new level of science and technology. It aims to add value to UAE's growing economy by involving various business sectors, creating employment opportunities, attracting international investors, and catapulting the city to a tech hub.

Organised by Palladium Exhibition Organizer, the RTEX conference takes place on May 12, 2014 followed by the main exhibition from September 28 - 30, 2014. For further information on the exhibition, please contact www.rt-exhibition.com

For more information, please contact:
Elissar Amhaz
Ketchum Raad Middle East
Tel: +971 50 1442131
Email: Elissar.amhaz@ketchum-raad.com

Golnaz van Huyssteen
Operations Manager, RTEX
Tel: +971 4 456 3766
Email: Golnaz@rt-exhibition.com

© Press Release 2014