Latest news with #SamiHaddadin
Arabian Post
30-06-2025
- Science
- Arabian Post
Robots Learn Delicate Touch with Tactile Skills AI
Mohamed bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence has unveiled a pioneering embodied‑AI framework called Tactile Skills, enabling robots to master intricate physical tasks with human‑level precision. Spearheaded by Sami Haddadin, MBZUAI's vice‑president for research, and published in Nature Machine Intelligence on 23 June 2025, the approach promises to bridge a long‑standing divide between human dexterity and robotic automation. The system leverages a structured curriculum inspired by vocational training and neurobiology. Host‑defined process taxonomies guide robots through tactile subtasks—such as connector alignment and material handling—streamlining learning and reducing dependence on trial‑and‑error methods. In trials, robots achieved near‑100 per cent success across 28 industrial tasks, including plug insertion and precision cutting, even when conditions varied unexpectedly. Haddadin emphasised the breakthrough: the framework 'bridges the gap between human expertise and robotic capability… reliably mastering intricate tasks with precision and adaptability'. Unlike conventional machine‑learning methods, Tactile Skills combines expert knowledge and reusable haptic control modules, reducing energy consumption and set‑up time while achieving industrial‑grade speed and accuracy. ADVERTISEMENT Crucially, the architecture appears to democratise automation. Operators without extensive robotics training deployed the system effectively, signalling a shift towards accessible, flexible automation across sectors. In one demonstration, robots assembled a complex bottle‑filling device, underscoring real‑world relevance. The emergence of Tactile Skills arrives amid broader momentum in physical AI, where robots are evolving beyond pre‑programmed sequences to exhibit embodied intelligence. Google DeepMind recently released an on‑device version of its Gemini Robotics model, enabling vision‑language‑action capabilities offline and requiring only 50–100 demonstrations to learn new tasks. This aligns with physical AI trends prioritising simulation‑to‑real transfer, vision–action integration and multisensory perception. Parallel advances include MIT's simulation‑powered system, enabling robots to infer an object's weight and softness through handling alone, and Amazon's Vulcan, a sensor‑enhanced warehouse robot equipped with tactile grasping capabilities to manage a broader range of objects in logistics environments. Within this context, Tactile Skills stands out by combining theoretical rigour, hands‑on taxonomies and near‑perfect success rates. The framework eschews massive datasets and generic deep‑learning, instead embedding human expertise directly into robotic curriculum—emulating mastery acquisition akin to skilled trades. Looking ahead, the implications span manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and home automation. The ability to train robots rapidly on delicate physical tasks opens doors to automating activities previously deemed too nuanced for machines. Moreover, lowering technical barriers empowers smaller firms and facilities to deploy adaptable robotics at scale. Nonetheless, challenges remain. Real‑world deployment demands robust hardware, reliable sensor systems and fail‑safe protocols. Ethical considerations also surface—workforce displacement, quality control and safety monitoring require balanced oversight. Integrating tactile precision with existing robotics infrastructure may involve standardising interfaces and establishing trustworthy deployment guidelines. Academic and industry experts note that the next phase will involve generalising tactile curricula beyond initial tasks. Emerging tactile-language-action models demonstrate early promise in translating language instructions into fine‑grained physical actions—crucial for open‑ended applications. Meanwhile, meta‑learning techniques are enabling robots to 'learn to learn,' from minimal data, suggesting even greater flexibility ahead. As embodied intelligence matures, Tactile Skills signals a shift: robots will no longer rely solely on data scale, but on structured skill pedagogy. If education‑inspired frameworks replicate across platforms, robotics could finally conquer the delicate, dexterous domains that have thwarted automation—transforming industries and daily life alike.
TECHx
30-06-2025
- Science
- TECHx
MBZUAI Reveals ‘Tactile Skills' Breakthrough in Robotics
Home » Emerging technologies » Artificial Intelligence » MBZUAI Reveals 'Tactile Skills' Breakthrough in Robotics Mohamed bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has announced a major breakthrough in robotic automation. The research introduces a new embodied AI framework called Tactile Skills . Despite rapid progress in robotics, machines have long struggled with delicate, tactile tasks. These include inserting connectors and handling flexible materials. However, the Tactile Skills framework is now changing this landscape. Sami Haddadin, VP for Research at MBZUAI, led the project. He collaborated with his former PhD student Lars Johannsmeier, Yanan Li from the University of Sussex, and Etienne Burdet from Imperial College. Their work was published on June 23 in Nature Machine Intelligence . The researchers revealed that Tactile Skills offers a scalable, practical, and theoretically sound solution. It is inspired by the human neural system and vocational training methods. The framework uses a structured taxonomy based on expert-defined process specifications. In simple terms, it acts like a specialized curriculum for robots. It enables them to quickly learn and master new physical tasks with precision and adaptability. According to Haddadin, the new framework bridges the gap between human expertise and robotic capability. He reported that robots can now master intricate tasks reliably. This marks a significant step forward in practical automation. The system was tested across 28 industrial tasks. These included demanding activities such as plug insertion and precision cutting. Results showed nearly 100% success, even when objects were misaligned or conditions changed. Robots adapted to changes with minimal error Performance remained fast and industrial-grade Unlike traditional machine learning models, Tactile Skills does not rely on trial-and-error or massive datasets. Instead, it combines expert process knowledge with reusable tactile control components. This drastically speeds up learning and cuts energy use. One key highlight was its success in assembling a complex bottle-filling device. The researchers said this proves the framework's value for real-world manufacturing. They also noted that operators with limited robotics knowledge can deploy these systems efficiently. As a result, setup time and costs are significantly reduced. Haddadin stated that this advancement could help transform robots into adaptable, skilled assistants. He added that industries now have a viable path toward automating complex, tactile tasks. Ultimately, the team believes this innovation unlocks new possibilities for automation. They reported that Tactile Skills makes reliable robotic capabilities accessible across industries and even in homes.
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Machines Can See summit unveils public program during Dubai AI Week
Dubai — The Machines Can See (MCS) summit, organized by Polynome Group, will host a full-day public program as part of the inaugural Dubai AI Week. Recognized as the Middle East's leading AI and computer vision conference since 2023, the event will feature two key segments: a general AI program and the debut of Machines Can Create, a specialized track exploring AI's impact on fashion, art, and media. Both programs will be held at The Boulevard, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, with free admission for all attendees. The event will open on April 24 with a tech talk by Alexander Sukharevsky of QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey, followed by a panel on robotics trends featuring industry leaders. Sami Haddadin from MBZUAI and Lior Wolf of Mentee Robotics will be joined by Eng. Yasmin Al Enazi, Strategic Consultant at MARSES Robotics, recognized among the Top 10 Women in Global Robotics by the International Federation of Robotics. David Rodriguez, Co-founder and Head of Business at Kiwibot, will share insights from the autonomous delivery sector. "Dubai AI Week showcases Dubai's openness to the world and AI's accessibility to people, with a strong emphasis on educational programs and opportunities for Dubai residents to learn about AI. We are delighted to support this initiative by opening a significant portion of the Machines Can See summit program to the general public," said Alexander Khanin, Founder of Polynome Group and the Machines Can See summit. A key highlight of the program is the "AI for All: Ensuring Equal Access to AI" panel, organized in collaboration with Women in AI UAE. Moderated by Alexis Jean-Baptiste of L'Oréal Middle East, the discussion will feature prominent figures like Omnia Hamed, Senior Director of International Ventures & Investments at The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Maktoum and SEED Group. The program also includes keynotes by Dr. Thomas Alt, Founder of Ramblr, who will provide expertise on practical AI applications; Genia Xasis, Founder of Multiplyers, with "The AI Gold Rush: Securing Funding for AI Startups in the Gulf"; and Ahmed Aboushabab, Deputy Head of Creative at IMI, presenting "Generative AI x Branding: Designing for a World That Never Stops Evolving." This year's summit introduces Machines Can Create, a first-of-its-kind conference examining AI's transformative role in creative industries. Opening remarks on April 23 will be delivered by Gerard Medioni, Vice President and Distinguished Scientist at Amazon. The panel discussion "Code Couture: Crafting Tomorrow's Luxury" will explore the fusion of fashion and technology with speakers Anne Michaut, Professor and Director of the LVMH Academic Chair at HEC Paris; and Sebastien Borget, Co-Founder & COO of The Sandbox. A fireside chat titled "The Newsroom Reloaded: The AI-Driven Evolution of Media," featuring Brad Eliot, Chief Technology Officer at IMI, and Danijela Horak, Head of AI Research at BBC, will discuss AI's impact on media structures and workflows. The panel "Pixels and Palettes: The Canvas of Tomorrow," moderated by Giuseppe Moscatello, Artistic Director at Foundry Downtown, will delve into digital innovation in art with insights from Mauro Martino, Founder of the Visual AI Lab at IBM Research; Genesis Kai, Virtual Artist; Farah Andrews, Head of Arts & Lifestyle at The National; and Amir Soleymani, Founder of Gallery Mondoir. Now in its third year, Machines Can See has expanded its original focus on computer vision to address broader artificial intelligence topics. Machines Can See 2025 is supported by a consortium of partners, including Digital Dubai, Dubai Police, MBZUAI, Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Future Foundation, along with technology partners such as AWS, SAP, Yango, and Adia Lab.
Tahawul Tech
22-04-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Machines Can See Summit will unveil Public Program during Dubai AI Week
Dubai — The Machines Can See (MCS) summit, organized by Polynome Group, will host a full-day public program as part of the inaugural Dubai AI Week. Recognized as the Middle East's leading AI and computer vision conference since 2023, the event will feature two key segments: a general AI program and the debut of Machines Can Create, a specialized track exploring AI's impact on fashion, art, and media. Both programs will be held at The Boulevard, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, with free admission for all attendees. The event will open on April 24 with a tech talk by Alexander Sukharevsky of QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey, followed by a panel on robotics trends featuring industry leaders. Sami Haddadin from MBZUAI and Lior Wolf of Mentee Robotics will be joined by Eng. Yasmin Al Enazi, Strategic Consultant at MARSES Robotics, recognized among the Top 10 Women in Global Robotics by the International Federation of Robotics. David Rodriguez, Co-founder and Head of Business at Kiwibot, will share insights from the autonomous delivery sector. 'Dubai AI Week showcases Dubai's openness to the world and AI's accessibility to people, with a strong emphasis on educational programs and opportunities for Dubai residents to learn about AI. We are delighted to support this initiative by opening a significant portion of the Machines Can See summit program to the general public,' said Alexander Khanin, Founder of Polynome Group and the Machines Can See summit. A key highlight of the program is the 'AI for All: Ensuring Equal Access to AI' panel, organized in collaboration with Women in AI UAE. Moderated by Alexis Jean-Baptiste of L'Oréal Middle East, the discussion will feature prominent figures like Omnia Hamed, Senior Director of International Ventures & Investments at The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Maktoum and SEED Group. The program also includes keynotes by Dr. Thomas Alt, Founder of Ramblr, who will provide expertise on practical AI applications; Genia Xasis, Founder of Multiplyers, with 'The AI Gold Rush: Securing Funding for AI Startups in the Gulf'; and Ahmed Aboushabab, Deputy Head of Creative at IMI, presenting 'Generative AI x Branding: Designing for a World That Never Stops Evolving.' This year's summit introduces Machines Can Create, a first-of-its-kind conference examining AI's transformative role in creative industries. Opening remarks on April 23 will be delivered by Gerard Medioni, Vice President and Distinguished Scientist at Amazon. The panel discussion 'Code Couture: Crafting Tomorrow's Luxury' will explore the fusion of fashion and technology with speakers Anne Michaut, Professor and Director of the LVMH Academic Chair at HEC Paris; and Sebastien Borget, Co-Founder & COO of The Sandbox. A fireside chat titled 'The Newsroom Reloaded: The AI-Driven Evolution of Media,' featuring Brad Eliot, Chief Technology Officer at IMI, and Danijela Horak, Head of AI Research at BBC, will discuss AI's impact on media structures and workflows. The panel 'Pixels and Palettes: The Canvas of Tomorrow,' moderated by Giuseppe Moscatello, Artistic Director at Foundry Downtown, will delve into digital innovation in art with insights from Mauro Martino, Founder of the Visual AI Lab at IBM Research; Genesis Kai, Virtual Artist; Farah Andrews, Head of Arts & Lifestyle at The National; and Amir Soleymani, Founder of Gallery Mondoir. Now in its third year, Machines Can See has expanded its original focus on computer vision to address broader artificial intelligence topics. Machines Can See 2025 is supported by a consortium of partners, including Digital Dubai, Dubai Police, MBZUAI, Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Future Foundation, along with technology partners such as AWS, SAP, Yango, and Adia Lab.
Al Bawaba
12-02-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Latest Deloitte research shows more than 65% of organizations in the Middle East plan to increase investment in AI
A new report by Deloitte, the leading global professional services firm, in collaboration with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), reveals the immense opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI) in the Middle East. The 2025 State of AI in the Middle East Report also shines a spotlight on the challenges organizations face when investing in AI technology and ensuring they fully understand and utilize its potential. The Perfect Storm: A perspective on unlocking AI's value in Middle East draws on insights from more than 150 business and technology leaders across the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and Qatar, supplemented by interviews with key industry figures. It explores the dynamics of AI adoption while identifying the challenges that hinder progress and the strategies organizations are using to manage risks and maximize value. While organizations across the Middle East are rapidly increasing AI investments, many lack the foundational elements needed to realize its full value. The latest research shows more than 80% of organizations feel pressured to adopt AI, yet almost half say they lack the talent and technology capabilities for successful scaling. Despite these challenges, 69% of organizations plan to increase investment in AI technologies in the coming year, according to the report. Mutasem Dajani, Deloitte Middle East CEO, said, 'The GCC region is making substantial investments in AI, driven by strong government commitments. With increasing funding for AI infrastructure and a growing emphasis on developing local talent, the region is positioning itself as a global leader in AI innovation. This transformation is accelerating the shift toward knowledge-based economies, compelling organizations to fundamentally rethink their operations.' Respondents in the survey claimed high levels of preparedness for technology infrastructure (71%), talent (68%) and strategy (69%). Risk and governance were slightly lower in terms of feeling highly or very highly prepared (63%). However, when considering only Generative AI (GenAI), global leaders felt much less prepared to address risk and governance, with 41% of leaders reporting they were only slightly or not at all prepared. Professor Sami Haddadin, MBZUAI's vice president for research, said: 'This research highlights an increased focus on developing local AI specialists and practitioners who understand the potential of AI and how to execute implementation, while addressing concerns such as privacy and ethics. The report reveals a critical disconnect – a strong appetite among Middle Eastern organizations to deploy AI outpacing their readiness in terms of talent, strategic planning, and infrastructure. 'As the world's first university dedicated to artificial intelligence, MBZUAI is proud to be playing a pivotal role in addressing this major hurdle. We've made great strides in the last year through programs such as the MBZUAI Executive Program (MEP), the Master in Applied AI, and tailored workshops, we are empowering leaders and organizations to navigate the nuanced dynamics of AI adoption including managing risks and maximizing value. Implementing AI solutions requires talent, and growing the AI supply ecosystem is critical. This includes upskilling current professionals, preparing our current students, and fostering constructive and deeper research collaborations across key sectors and impactful areas such as energy and sustainability.' In terms of the perceived key benefits of GenAI, 91% of respondents expect increased productivity to be the most transformational benefit. The report found that one in three organizations in the Middle East are spending more than 60% of their AI budget on GenAI, compared to data showing that 72% of global organizations are spending less than 40%. However, not all organizations view AI in a positive light, with 41% seeing AI as a significant threat to their current operating model. A significant hurdle faced by organizations developing and deploying AI tools is selecting the right technologies, as highlighted by 34% of respondents. Given the complexity of the available AI solutions, it can be difficult for business leaders to know which applications align best with organizational objectives, while another major challenge – difficulty identifying use cases – is closely linked, as organizations grapple with how GenAI can benefit their business. 'There is a myriad of ways AI can supercharge efficiency and productivity, while also paving the way for entirely new products, citizen services, and business models,' Yousef Barkawie, AI & Data leader at Deloitte Middle East, said. 'It's vital that organizations take an analytical approach and develop clear strategies to assess demand, supply, and enablement of AI to ensure the technology can scale effectively, solve challenges, and generate a solid return on investment. We see the need for elevating boardroom decision-making skills and frameworks to cope with this disruption,' he added. Access the full report: LINK
