AI and robotics dominate world’s biggest tech event

AI and robotics dominate Gitex Global tech event: The 44th edition of Gitex Global, held at Dubai’s World Trade Centre, showcased the growing influence of artificial intelligence and robotics across various industries.

• The event, which ran from Monday to Friday last week, featured over 6,500 exhibitors, 1,800 startups, and 1,200 investors from 180 countries.
• Gitex has expanded beyond the UAE, with equivalent events now held in Germany, Singapore, and Morocco.

AI’s transformative potential: Industry leaders at the event highlighted the significant impact of AI on global markets and economic growth.

• Patrick Dennis, CEO of US telecommunications company Avaya, compared AI’s potential to shift worldwide GDP to that of the industrial revolution.
• The technology presents opportunities for companies to gain market share, create new markets, and achieve growth.

Healthcare and AI integration: The event emphasized the growing application of AI in underserved industries, particularly healthcare.

• Trixie LohMirmand, executive vice president of Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO at KAOUN International, noted the increased focus on AI and deep tech in healthcare.
• This trend indicates a broader push to leverage AI across various sectors to improve efficiency and outcomes.

Innovative product launches: Several companies unveiled groundbreaking technologies at Gitex Global, showcasing advancements in augmented reality and robotics.

• Dubai-based deep tech company Xpanceo introduced new prototypes of smart contact lenses, capable of displaying AR content while consuming minimal power.
• One prototype demonstrated the ability to receive and interact with data transmitted directly to the lens, potentially from biometric sensors on the body.

Robotic advancements: The event featured notable developments in humanoid robots and prosthetics.

• Maha, a new Emirati humanoid robot teacher, was among the impressive displays on the show floor.
• Mand.ro, an affordable robotic prosthetic hand developed in South Korea, offered high levels of customization at a starting price of $1,000, significantly undercutting typical market prices.

Global expansion and future prospects: Gitex’s growth reflects the increasing global interest in digital transformation and AI technologies.

• The event is set to make its debut in Nigeria next year, which LohMirmand describes as “a future AI superpower.”
• LohMirmand noted the urgency and motivation among emerging nations to accelerate their digital transformation efforts.

Analyzing deeper: As AI and robotics continue to evolve rapidly, events like Gitex Global serve as crucial platforms for showcasing innovation and fostering international collaboration. The increasing focus on AI applications in healthcare and other underserved industries suggests a shift towards more practical and impactful uses of these technologies. However, questions remain about the long-term societal and economic implications of widespread AI adoption, as well as the potential for creating new disparities between nations at different stages of technological development.