Category: Science & Technology

DUBAI: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), in collaboration with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), has officially commenced work on the HCT-SAT 1 project, the institution’s inaugural student-led space mission.

The Earth-observation CubeSat project, with a unit size of 1U (10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm) and set to be launched by the end of 2024, is being developed by HCT students under the expert guidance of MBRSC engineers.

The HCT students, from a range of academic disciplines, are currently working within the laboratories of the MBRSC, initiating the strategic development of HCT-SAT 1. This collaboration involves the Centre’s seasoned engineers providing comprehensive knowledge transfer and mentorship to the students across all critical phases of the satellite’s lifecycle, including design, development, assembly, testing, and operational management.

The partnership between MBRSC and HCT encompasses not only the launch of the payload, but also an extensive educational experience, empowering both
students and faculty members with expert training, and delivering substantial support in the immersive CubeSat curriculum. The endeavour marks a significant step forward in integrating space technology within the educational sector, aiming to advance the UAE’s position in space exploration and science.

It will see 34 male and female HCT students across various engineering disciplines, including aviation sciences, airframe design, and electrical engineering, together with Applied Media students undertaking marketing aspects, work as a cohesive interdisciplinary team. The students are ably supported and mentored by nine HCT faculty members.

Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General, MBRSC, said: “At MBRSC, we are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, particularly among the youth who are the future pioneers of our nation’s space sector. The commencement of the HCT-SAT 1 project is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of education in the fields of science, technology, engi
neering, and mathematics (STEM). By involving students in such high-calibre projects, we are not just educating; we are inspiring a new generation to dream big and contribute to the UAE’s ambitious space exploration goals. We are confident that this hands-on experience will equip our students with the skills and knowledge required to propel the UAE National Space Programme to new heights.”

Dr. Faisal Alayyan, HCT President and CEO, applauded the strategic collaboration with the MBRSC on the development of HCT-SAT 1. ‘This initiative is a pivotal outcome of the partnership, designed to equip HCT students with advanced knowledge in space sciences. This collaboration underscores the importance of space research in driving human progress while elevating awareness of the UAE’s strategic advancements and accomplishments in space exploration. It is a critical component of the nation’s vision to achieve a leading role in the highly competitive global space industry,’ Dr. Alayyan said.

‘The HCT-SAT 1 project align
s with our strategic commitment to advance applied education, foster essential future skills, and boost students’ career prospects in key sectors. It will offer students who are passionate space an invaluable gateway to the air space sector through expert-led scientific knowledge and hands-on experience,’ he added.

The collaboration between MBRSC and HCT is a strategic move to embed space technology into the HCT curriculum, offering students unparalleled opportunities to engage with the space sector. This project not only enhances students’ understanding of space science but also paves the way for them to become integral contributors to the UAE’s growing space industry.

Source: Emirates News Agency

GUANGDONG: China began construction of the second phase of a major science infrastructure project on Saturday in Dongguan, Guangdong province, hoping to use a “super microscope” to achieve more breakthroughs in sectors such as the aerospace and superconductive materials industries.

According to a report by China Daily, a ceremony was conducted to celebrate the beginning of the second phase of the China Spallation Neutron Source in Songshan Lake Science City, Dongguan. Wang Sheng, the deputy head of the Institute of High Energy Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, mentioned that 11 neutron spectrometers and their operating terminals will be constructed over a period of almost six years.

A spallation neutron source generates a massive amount of high-energy neutrons – a key particle inside the nucleus of an atom – and uses them as “probes” to study the microscopic structure of substances and materials.

According to the CAS, since the first phase of the CSNS project was put into operation in 2018, the f
acility has received applications for use from 6,000 researchers from home and abroad and has operated for more than 5,000 hours each year, helping conclude more than 1,500 science projects, 100 of which were from outside the Chinese mainland.

Among them is the domestic development of boron neutron capture therapy, which is used to treat certain types of cancer. A medical device was developed from experiences gained using the CSNS, and Dongguan People’s Hospital will conduct clinical trials using the device this year, the CSNS operators said.

Other points of progress include the simulation of neutron irradiation in the upper atmosphere to enhance aerospace materials’ resistance to cosmic rays, as well as the study of lithium ions to improve the performance of car batteries.

“It is precisely the abundant scientific achievements and users’ strong needs that pushed the second phase of the CSNS to be launched quickly,” said Wang, who is also the director of the second phase.

Including the ones available in th
e first phase, the CSNS will have 20 neutron spectrometers upon completion of the upgrade.

“Everyone will be a ‘microscope’ that will be used in different fields and industries,” Wang said.

In addition to the new spectrometers, the project will also feature China’s first – and the world’s fifth – muon source, which can help detect essential elements like carbon and oxygen in samples without compromising their structure, Bao Yu, a researcher at the physics institute, said in November, when plans to develop the muon source were included in the preliminary facility design of the new phase of the CSNS.

The new phase will also see the beam power of the source’s core accelerator – a key metric of the facility – upgraded from 100 kilowatts to 500 kW so that it will generate more neutrons in a set period of time, Wang said, adding that it will also enable the device to measure smaller samples and capture quicker movements with higher resolution.

“As an upgrade project, we will make sure that the existing neutron
source won’t be significantly affected during the construction of the new phase,” Wang said.

Source: Emirates News Agency

SHENZHEN: According to a recent report by China Central Television (CCTV), brain science technology has made significant strides in China, finding its way into various aspects of daily life. From piloting drones using brain-computer interfaces to screening for dementia in senior care communities, these advancements are transforming the way people live and interact with technology.

In 2023, several major scientific breakthroughs were put into practice in Guangming Science City, located in Shenzhen, China’s high-tech hub. The city is home to over 20 sci-tech innovation entities working on cutting-edge projects.

One notable company has developed a brain-controlled drone that can be operated using a headband. The device transmits users’ brainwave signals in real-time to the programme, allowing actions such as blinking, eye movement, and teeth clenching to be captured by the machine. “Once a person’s focus level reaches a specific threshold, the drone takes off. The higher the focus level, the higher the drone f
lies,” explained Li Xiaotian, the company’s director of research and development.

Mind-controlled technology has found applications beyond drones, extending to the use of robotic arms and laptops.

In a parallel development, senior care communities in Shenzhen have begun using brain-machine devices to screen for Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment in the elderly. “These brain-machine devices are used to conduct screenings for mild cognitive impairment in the elderly. It gives us an opportunity for intervention at an early stage. The brain-machine devices are being used in more than 20 communities,” stated Wang Qingyong, a neurologist.

As brain science technology continues to advance, it is expected to play an increasingly important role in various sectors, improving the quality of life for people in China and beyond.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: Dubai Land Department (DLD), represented by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), has partnered with the Chinese institute ‘DX Broker Training Service’ to enhance awareness in the Dubai real estate sector.

This collaboration seeks to create an outstanding real estate training environment, improve service efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and elevate services to meet the highest standards and best practices.

The agreement was signed by Saif Juma Al Suwaidi, Director of the Real Estate Licensing and Enablement Department at RERA, DLD, and John Hue, Founder and Trainer of DX Broker Training and Services.

Saif Al Suwaidi emphasised the RERA’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with the private sector in line with wise leadership’s directives.

He expressed RERA’s eagerness to cooperate with the DX Broker Training and Services Institute by innovating initiatives and developing training programmes and educational courses. These programs aim to raise awareness among employees and st
akeholders in all real estate activities, enhance their understanding of rights and responsibilities, and improve smart and digital services in the real estate sector in the emirate.

‘We are honoured to sign a collaboration agreement with the Dubai Land Department. DX Broker Training and Services is committed to maintaining the highest quality in our real estate brokerage training courses. Additionally, we will focus on organising seminars and workshops for real estate investors to improve their understanding of Dubai’s real estate rules and regulations. We look forward to bringing positive impacts to the Dubai real estate industry,’ said John Hue, Founder and Trainer of DX Broker Training and Services.

The areas of cooperation outlined in the agreement include promoting a culture of continuous learning and professional real estate training, fostering innovation, and contributing to the development of professionals in the real estate sector to achieve excellence and sustainable development. Additional
ly, the agreement aims to raise awareness among real estate investors, owners, and stakeholders through awareness plans and dissemination of real estate knowledge.

The agreement also aims to develop, implement, and update diverse real estate training programs to qualify employees and stakeholders, including developers and others involved in various real estate activities, according to the best local and international standards and practices. Additionally, it includes organising seminars, workshops, and real estate conferences to discuss topics related to the real estate market and shed light on the sector’s current state.

Source: Emirates News Agency

SHARJAH: This weekend, the Xposure International Photography Festival hosted an exciting panel discussion themed ‘The Unreal Future of Film’, where leading film industry figures delved into the realm of virtual production, Extended Reality (XR), and the innovative Unreal Engine, the world’s most open and advanced real-time 3D creation tool for photoreal visuals and immersive experiences.

The session offered a unique glimpse into the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of storytelling and content creation. The filmmakers and industry executives on the panel, each with a wealth of experience and insights, included Olivier Geyhsen, a filmmaker and XR artist known for his pioneering work integrating technology into storytelling; Siraj Jhaveri, a director with over three decades of experience, known for his dynamic visual style; Bartosz Jankowski, an experienced producer and screenwriter specialising in audiovisual event production and Virtual Production technology; and Bora Batur, a production designer
with nearly two decades of experience in visual storytelling and set design.

The session kicked off with an exploration of virtual production, with Jhaveri providing insights into merging the physical and digital worlds. Discussing the process, he highlighted the ability to create immersive environments where the physical meets the digital seamlessly. ‘Virtual elements are added to existing footage, allowing for changes in not only specific objects, but settings, backgrounds and locations,’ Jhaveri said.

Geyhsen highlighted the opportunities presented by virtual production, letting filmmakers transport audiences to previously unimaginable worlds. ‘Virtual production enables ‘shooting’ in locations that don’t exist in real life. Places that are difficult to access can be reconstructed in 3D. This opens possibilities for ‘shooting’ in multiple venues within a short timeframe,” he said.

Jankowski shed light on the technical aspects of virtual production, particularly the importance of meticulous planning and
efficient execution. Virtual production can be cost-effective but needs thorough pre-production, he said. ‘Pre-production is crucial in determining the feasibility of shooting in virtual production. While it is possible to shoot most things using VP, the level of pre-production planning varies depending on the project’s requirements,’ he noted.

Batur highlighted how virtual production is redefining the traditional filmmaking pipeline. The art department must be involved early in the process – rather than at the post-production stage – to ensure seamless integration between the physical and virtual elements. ‘Decisions that used to be made at the end of production are now happening earlier, requiring changes in workflow and personnel. Seamless collaboration between departments is crucial for success,’ Batur said.

Jhaveri pointed out that ‘many shots involve computer-generated (CG) elements, requiring extensive pre-production to ensure everything runs smoothly during the shoot. This additional pre-production
time is essential for successful virtual production. There is also a latency period as new technologies emerge, so we are playing a catch-up game here – as soon as we have one technology we are using on stage, there is another one being released.’

All four filmmakers agreed on collaboration and communication in virtual production, particularly the need for a standardised pre-visualisation process and the growing potential of AI technology in streamlining production workflows. ‘AI could become a standard tool in virtual production workflows, streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency,’ Jankowski said.

But despite technological advancements, storytelling remains the focus, Batur pointed out.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Terminus Group, a leading robotics and advanced technical systems provider. The MoU marks the commencement of the trial operation for a smart robot tasked with surveillance and detecting violations concerning soft mobility means in Dubai, starting March 2024.

The MoU signing took place during the fifth edition of MENA Transport Congress and Exhibition 2024 by Ahmed Mahboub, Acting CEO of Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector, RTA, and Dr. Ling Shao, President of Terminus International and Chief Scientist of Terminus Group.

The agreement stipulates initiating a trial operation for the smart robot tasked with surveillance and detecting violations concerning soft mobility means in Dubai in coordination with Dubai Police. The initial phase of the trial operation will commence in the Jumeirah 3 beach area to stud
y the impact of the application and its potential for broader implementation in the future. This innovative project aligns with RTA’s goals to ensure seamless and sustainable mobility, enhance the transportation network through smart and innovative solutions, and position Dubai as the pioneering city in the region for using robots to monitor soft mobility users.

RTA emphasised the significance of this initiative, highlighting its alignment with government efforts to enhance Dubai’s status as a leader among the world’s smartest cities. This move is also in sync with UAE’s vision to become a global leader in artificial intelligence by 2031. The initiative seeks to modernise traditional surveillance methods by introducing smart robots for real-time monitoring of soft mobility means and utilising AI techniques for detecting violations. This innovative approach will be integrated directly with RTA’s Enterprise Command and Control Centre (EC3).

The smart robot will monitor the use of soft mobility means, such as
bicycles and electric scooters, by detecting violations, sharing, and analysing them in collaboration with Dubai Police. Utilising artificial intelligence, the robot will identify a range of violations, including large gatherings, failure to adhere to personal safety protocols like wearing helmets, abandonment of scooters in unauthorised areas, scooter use by multiple riders, and riding scooters in pedestrian-only zones.

The robot features cutting-edge technology and complies with top safety standards. It can identify violations with over 85 percent accuracy, deliver data within 5 seconds, and has a surveillance reach of up to 2 kilometres. The robot is also designed to operate efficiently under various weather conditions and is equipped with sensors that trigger a halt when it comes within 1.5 metres of any object or individual, ensuring the safety and security of all road users in Dubai.

‘We are delighted to collaborate with RTA, an ideal partner in achieving our shared goal of leveraging green and smart
technologies to elevate safety standards for transportation users. Our confidence in this partnership stems from RTA’s esteemed standing and our extensive experience in implementing modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and smart city solutions, along with creating an innovative ecosystem that embraces the sustainable and digital economy,’ said Dr. Ling Shao.

RTA remains committed to launching distinguished initiatives aimed at maximising safety and comfort for users of soft mobility. These efforts include fostering integration with public transport and key landmarks to bolster the use of soft mobility for first and last-mile journeys as well as short distances. RTA has also made significant efforts toward passing the Executive Council Resolution No. (13) of 2022, which governs the use of bikes in Dubai, establishes speed limits across different lanes to accommodate regional and temporal needs and mandates registration and numbering plates for each shared scooter.

Source: Emirates
News Agency