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NYUAD's new algorithm gives stellar visibility; Medieval robots
Good morning!
Here’s your weekly roundup of Middle East AI News!
Not a huge volume of AI news from the region this week, due to the Eid Al Adha holidays.
However, scroll down for an update on the Dubai RTA's Dubai World Self-Driving Transport Challenge; the launch of Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre's deep learning camp; a new algorithm developed by NYUAD for reducing noise in stellar images; and to find out whether an 'Golden Age' Islamic scholar really invented robots!
Stay safe and have a great weekend!
/Carrington
Startup News
NNTC and CROC aim to boost industrial safety via new Digital Worker platform — www.zawya.com
#UAE #software - UAE-based software developer NNTC and IT solutions provider CROC have announced a new version of their Digital Worker platform for industrial safety. The system improves health, safety and environment control in industrial enterprises. (Zawya.com)
Autonomous Vehicles
Deadline set for Dubai's AED 6.3 million self-driving transport competition — www.thenational.ae
#UAE #AVs - Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has set an August 31 deadline for receiving submissions for the second edition of the Dubai World Self-Driving Transport Challenge, which is being held under the theme of ‘Self-driving Logistics Services.’ (The National)
Smart Cities
With AI, Yanbu has become smarter and safer — www.smartcitiesworld.net
#Saudi #smartcities - Yanbu has used Huawei’s Intelligent Traffic Management system to make a smarter, safer and better city, writes Thamer Anwar Noori, Royal Commission Yanbu. (Smart Cities - subscription)
Education
Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre opens registration for Deep Learning Camp — wam.ae
#UAE #education - The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has opened registrations for the Deep Learning Camp for university students, which will be held virtually from 18th to 20th August, 2020. Registration deadline is 12 August (Emirates News Agency)
Artificial intelligence used to grade GCSE and A-level exams — www.thenational.ae
#UAE #education - Exam watchdog WhichSchoolAdvisor has advised pupils the statistical modelling being used to standardise their A-level and GCSE results is for their own good. The new algorithm was created because of concern that relying solely on grades predicted by teachers could lead to inflated and unreliable results. (The National)
Drones
Dubai Customs launches Siyaj Initiative to foster border security, facilitate trade — mediaoffice.ae
#UAE #security - Dubai Customs launched Siyaj (Fence) initiative: the first integrated control 24/7 system in the world. The new system is based on a number of sophisticated AI technologies, rapid intervention teams that work around the clock, drones, and a K9 unit. (Dubai Media Office)
Astronomy
AI method developed by NYUAD researchers offers a new approach to detecting Exomoons — nyuad.nyu.edu
#UAE #astronomy - A new AI algorithm-based method using a 1D convolutional neural network (CNN) created by researchers at the NYUAD Center for Space Science promises to avoid some of the challenges of finding moons outside our solar system. (NYUAD)
Feature
Medieval robots? — www.nationalgeographic.co.uk
#Turkey #Islam #inventions - From water pumps to musical automatons, Ismail al-Jazari's extraordinary machines ranged from practical to playful, delighting farmers and kings alike. (National Geographic)