Google-backed lab brings robotics and other technologies to RAK and Northern Emirates

Left to right: Abullah Hemuidan, Sultan Abdullah, Mohammed Hasan, and Erhama Ahmed converse while Mohammed controls a miniature vehicle at the laboratory. Lee Hoagland / The National

Google has thrown its considerable weight and investment behind a pioneering educational venture in Ras Al Khaimah.

In a global first, for the US technology company, it has funded and provided resources and expertise for the inception of a science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) laboratory. The Google Innovation Hub opened in December last year and was officially inaugurated in February.

The aim of the facility is to give access to cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, 3D printing, drone building and software coding in areas in which the resources are scarce.

The idea came from Al Bayt Mitwahid – an association set up by employees of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court. The lab is managed on a day-to-day basis by EduTech, the people behind Children’s City in Creek Park, Dubai. The facility is open to all, with a fee of Dh8 per hour for students.

“The Stem field is an exciting and stimulating space, but it needs resources and expertise to facilitate its changing landscape,” said Tala Al Ramahi, the programmes director for Al Bayt Mitwahid Association.” I think this is Google’s most significant investment in the Middle East so far.

“Once they heard about our idea to give access to these technologies in the Northern Emirates, they were fully behind it. We have had 250 students use the facility since day one, from 8-year-olds, who learn how to build robots, to post-graduate students who have concrete ideas for applications and business ventures.”

The programme not only teaches students, but also educates teachers about coding and the applications that can be enhanced by Stem.

Google will train more than 200 teachers, with 150 hours every year spent on training. It will be a continuous process for a number of years, as teachers will be required to upgrade their Stem knowledge and skills regularly.

The hub has hard business aspirations for those who have ideas beyond the norm including advice on Intellectual Property and patenting concerns.

“We are not here to waste people’s time and money,” said Kannan Raman, an associate manager for EduTech. “We are a fully functional centre for new thought that caters to those who want to create, but also who want to market and promote ideas through innovation. If you have an application or a product that needs help with intellectual property or you need assistance for patenting, or even if you need to build something here using our resources and expertise, the doors are wide open to all.”

The centre does not discriminate girls and boys or expats and Emiratis – all use the same space in the name of innovation. The hub can take 20 students at any one time, with an expert facilitator on hand to guide and help. The centre is becoming a draw to many girls interested in robotics and the vocational applications of the science.

“I find a lot of girls talking about the centre and the opportunities from it,” said Samia Mahil, the lead Stem facilitator at EduTech. “I find the girls are sometimes more passionate about the possibilities than the boys. Google may want to be build a driverless car, but our girls are talking about a driverless solar racing car.”