The increasing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics was a prominent theme at Gitex Global 2023, described by its organisers as the world's largest technology event. The exhibition was held over the course of a week, from Monday to Friday, at the Dubai World Trade Centre in the United Arab Emirates.
Trixie LohMirmand, the executive vice president of the Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO of KAOUN International, highlighted the event's emphasis on AI and deep technology as particularly thrilling. "A lot of companies and industries are now attempting to leverage AI," LohMirmand noted, citing its rising application in previously underserved sectors like healthcare.
AI's significance was echoed by Patrick Dennis, CEO of US-based telecommunications giant Avaya, who compared the transformative potential of AI to that of the industrial revolution. Dennis remarked, "There hasn’t been a shift capable of moving worldwide GDP like this in a very, very long time." He suggested that AI presents businesses with opportunities to exceed their competitors, innovate new markets, and foster growth.
Having first opened its doors in 1981 as the Gulf Computer Exhibition, Gitex has dramatically expanded over its 44 editions. This year's event occupied 40 halls, with over 6,500 exhibitors, 1,800 startups, and 1,200 investors, drawing participants from 180 different countries. In addition to its main station in Dubai, Gitex has inspired iterations in Germany, Singapore, and Morocco.
A noteworthy participant this year was Dubai-based company Xpanceo, which introduced new prototypes of its smart contact lenses. These lenses can display augmented reality (AR) content while using merely 1 to 3 microwatts of power—up to 300 times less than conventional AR glasses consume. Another version of the prototype could transmit data directly into the lens, enabling it to interact with information from biometric sensors situated on the body.
The exhibition also saw the debut of Maha, an Emirati humanoid robot designed for teaching, and Mand.ro, an innovative and affordable robotic prosthetic hand developed from South Korea. The Mand.ro prosthetic offers significant customisation options and represents a cost-effective alternative at a starting price of $1,000, considerably undercutting the current market prices for such technology.
Looking ahead, Gitex is planning to expand its global reach further by launching an edition in Nigeria next year, a nation described by LohMirmand as "a future AI superpower." The anticipated event marks a broader trend of emerging countries actively pursuing digital transformation and showcases a strong ambition to accelerate technological advancement.
Gitex Global 2023 underscored the relentless momentum of technological innovation, with AI and robotics spearheading developments across multiple industries and regions. The event serves as a platform for companies to unveil cutting-edge advancements and for nations to pursue inclusivity in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services