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UAE University Launches Robotics and Computer Science Graduate Programs to Meet Global Demand

by Swati Gupta

August 4, 2023 18

Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is taking a major step forward in addressing the growing global demand for robotics and computer science expertise by introducing new departments and graduate programs in these fields. These additions align with the university’s commitment to fostering innovation and research excellence in artificial intelligence (AI) while contributing to the UAE’s goal of becoming a prominent hub for AI research and development.

In response to the rising demand for specialized skills in robotics and computer science, MBZUAI has established two new departments dedicated to these disciplines. The global market for robotics and computer science is projected to reach $225 billion and $140 billion, respectively, by 2030. By offering tailored education in these fields, the university aims to contribute to the development of an advanced AI ecosystem and to solidify its standing as a leading global institution in AI research.

The newly introduced departments are designed to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of artificial intelligence, bringing together robotics, computer science, and related domains such as computer vision (CV), machine learning (ML), and natural language processing (NLP), which are already well-established at the university.

MBZUAI has also launched comprehensive graduate programs in robotics and computer science, emphasizing hands-on experience and research. These programs include a two-year master’s degree in both computer science and robotics, with a mandatory six-week internship, as well as a four-year PhD program that incorporates a compulsory three-month internship.

Eric Xing, the President of MBZUAI and a university professor, highlighted the significance of these new developments in fostering research excellence and innovation in AI. He stated, “The university will continue to bring into Abu Dhabi world-leading faculty and researchers in the fields and to empower students to become pioneers with highly sought-after skills in developing advanced AI tools and applications across industries. Given the digital ‘renAIssance’ we find ourselves in, skills in these disciplines are in high demand.”

The robotics department will focus on rigorous and impactful original research, emphasizing robot learning and algorithms rather than the development of new hardware. Research areas of interest encompass deep learning, control theory, robot manipulation, human-robot interaction, robot-assisted healthcare and surgery, swarm robotics, precision agriculture, and environmental and infrastructure monitoring.

Concurrently, the computer science department will provide in-depth insights into the foundational technologies that have driven the exponential growth and influence of IT over the past four decades. This department will also emphasize entrepreneurship and sustainability, ensuring graduates are equipped to drive technological progress in various sectors.

MBZUAI’s acting provost, Professor Timothy Baldwin, highlighted the institution’s commitment to delivering distinctive and globally competitive programs. He stated, “Our computer science department will be an academic home for faculty, researchers, and students in fundamental computing topics, with the master’s and PhD offering extraordinary technical depth and very strict entry criteria. Mandatory internships ensure that our students graduate well prepared to drive technological progress, whichever path or sector they choose.”

As the demand for AI expertise continues to surge globally, MBZUAI’s initiatives in robotics and computer science education are poised to shape the future workforce and contribute to the advancement of AI-driven innovation and research. Applications for the 2024 admission year will open on September 1, reflecting the university’s commitment to fostering the next generation of AI leaders.