Robotics stealing show at gadgets-galore Gitex in Dubai

Gadgets, innovations and technology of varying degrees of usefulness fill the halls of Dubai World Trade Centre at Gitex Technology Week 2017.

Developments in robotics form a large part of the new innovations as this field is now in a position to revolutionise the way we live.

Just how useful the mechanical arms of the Yaskawa RoboChef or the RoboShaker are to help make an egg sandwich or to mix a cocktail remains to be seen but other developments on show offered genuine innovation.

The South Korean Dot Incorporation braille watch allows blind users to access information from the wearable device linked to a mobile phone. Tiny nodules rise and fall on the watch face to offer information after an alert from a small vibration.

The Planet Gemini PDA was another device impressing at the Etisalat stand. It may look like a normal pocket mobile device, with all the usual functions, but a pop-out fully integrated keyboard allows users to transform their phone into a mini desktop computer.

Exhibition visitors could try out a Samsung Gear Gyro virtual reality simulator, or lie horizontal on an amplified reality sky-bike wearing a VR headset to try flying simulator games.

At the Etisalat stand, visitors could talk to Sophia, an android that responds to any questions asked of her.

And the latest Tesla cars with 5G connectivity sat alongside future technology to be used at Dubai airport to improve passenger flow through passport control. A fully autonomous electric Mercedes FO15 was also displayed, a vehicle that will likely be in production by 2023.

Less impressive but more fun were the digital retail technologies, such as the fitting room mirrors that take photos as you try on new clothes, replaying them on a big screen to see how you really look from behind in that fresh new outfit.

Elsewhere, Dubai Civil Defence was championing a new drone with thermal sensors that could be used to pour foam on a high-rise fire and pinpoint people trapped inside.

“Whenever a fire breaks out in any spot, the fire sensors installed in buildings will send a signal to Dubai Civil Defence operations room and an officer will deploy the drone to the fire site,” said Col Ali Al Mutawa, assistant general director for smart services at DCD.

Bader Abbas Jaafar Hassan with a police robot at GITEX. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A glove that translates sign language. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Visitors take a look at a robot at the World Trade Centre in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A remote control camera and robot that detects heat at the 37th GITEX Technology Week. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A visitor tries out a simulation at the Dubai Police stand. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The two-seat Volocopter is Dubai's new flying taxi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The Dubai Police stand. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Exhibitors at the Land Department stand. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A visitor tries some smart glasses at 37th GITEX Technology Week. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The drone, called dro fire, will also stream live footage back to the operations room and tests will be conducted on its viability in 2020, with a decision on its use thereafter.

Artificial intelligence for home use is also a key feature of the 2017 Gitex, with “Buddy” the companion robot performing another eye-catching display.

Created by Blue Frog Robotics, Buddy promises to entertain the kids by providing interactive games and learning while also offering home security via patrol and intruder detection.

It also has the ability to look after elders by monitoring them with its in-built fall detector, and it also offers medication reminders.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Wam
Travellers departing from Dubai will no longer need to pass through any sort of security clearance counter or e-gate, they will simply walk through a virtual aquarium tunnel that will scan their face or iris using hidden cameras while they’re in motion. Satish Kumar for The National
Visitors at the Redhat stand during the 37th Gitex Technology Week at the World Trade Centre in Dubai. Satish Kumar for The National
Visitors attend the 37th Gitex Technology Week at the World Trade Centre in Dubai. Satish Kumar for The National
The Dubai Police stands during the 37th Gitex Technology Week at the World Trade Centre in Dubai. Satish Kumar for The National
Visitors browse the Microsoft stand at Gitex Technology Week. Satish Kumar for The National
Visitors browse the Dell stand at Gitex Technology Week. Satish Kumar for The National
Visitors take a look at the Robots. Satish Kumar for The National
A police officer stands next to a drone motorcycle. AFP

It can even check on a sleeping baby through its in-built monitor and connect to other home devices like the thermostat, motorised curtain and door locks and TV, all of which can be switched on or off.

Robotics stealing show at gadgets-galore Gitex in Dubai

Whether it’s making an egg sandwich, interactive learning with the kids or making sure the elderly don’t miss their doctor appointments, there’s a robot for the task