Dubai Showcases Humanoid Teachers, Hugging Robots, and More Robotic Breakthroughs at the GITEX Global 2024

Dubai’s rise to a tech and AI powerhouse was on full display at the GITEX Global 2024, an event where the latest in artificial intelligence, robotic breakthroughs, and upcoming technologies are showcased to more than 6,500 exhibitors from over 180 countries. Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Omar bin Sultan Al Olama said it best in his opening remarks, reflecting on the city’s transformation from a “small village” to a dynamic global leader in technology.

“In the 1960s, Dubai was a small village… Fifty years ago, Dubai was considered a third-world city, just as the UAE was considered a third-world country. Every single person who was forecasting Dubai’s growth said it would take 100 years to get to where the US or other developed cities are. Fast forward just a few decades later, Dubai stands as a global hub for startups attracts wealth from major investors, and is now actively working towards embracing and driving new innovation. We are trying to work as fast as possible and grow as quick as possible. The future is going to be created by driven, passionate people who work and build alongside each other.”, said Al Olama.

Without a doubt, his statement rings true and the GITEX Global 2024 is a testament to that. Held at the Dubai World Trade Center, the GITEX Global was a hub where upcoming technologies from the world of AI, digital sustainability, technology, and robotics all came together.

One of the stars of the show was Maha, an Emirati humanoid teacher who captivated attendees with her human-like gestures and responses, a prime example of how AI and robots are expanding their roles in education. In a video, she can be seen and heard reciting Newton’s third law of motion, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction”—prompting onlookers to imagine a future where such robots can become future teachers in classrooms worldwide.

Certainly, this is also a glimpse of the growth of the educational robots market.

But Maha wasn’t the only attraction. Another crowd favorite was Pepper, the emotion-sensing semi-humanoid robot developed by SoftBank Robotics, which roamed the halls offering hugs and engaging in playful interactions. Pepper’s design as a robot “built for people” brought an unexpected warmth to the high-tech surroundings, underlining how robots and humans can still perhaps form emotional connections.

There were a lot more to be seen at the GITEX Global 2024 but one thing was clear — Dubai is definitely all in on this AI-driven future. This event is a statement that their vision and mission for AI and tech advancement is well on its way.