A team from the American University of Sharjah (AUS) College of Engineering was named as a finalist for the UAE Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics Award for Good for their innovative project on navigation for an in-pipe inspection robot that can benefit the oil and gas industry.

Launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the UAE AI and Robotics Award provides a global platform for innovative technological ideas in areas of education, health and social services, and honors the best application of robotics and AI in the service of humanity.

The AUS team was named one of ten finalists. The team members are Dr. Mamoun Abdel-Hafez, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering; Dr. Shayok Mukhopadhyay, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering; Dr. Mohammad Jaradat, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering; Wasim Al-Masri, Laboratory Instructor; and Danial Waleed, an AUS graduate student in Mechatronics Engineering program.

Entitled "In-pipe Inspection Robot," the project focuses on problems the oil and gas industry faces as its pipelines become susceptible to leaks and failures. Though using a robust navigation algorithm, the team aims to navigate a pipeline inspection robot to correctly locate any detected defects in the pipelines. The outcomes of the project have the potential to positively impact the UAE's economy through helping to ensure speedy, efficient and reliable pipelines.

"This award program aims to encourage research and applications of innovative solutions in artificial intelligence and robotics to meet existing challenges in the categories of health, education and social services," Dr. Abdel-Hafez said.

"The team started working on the development and enhancement of the project about two years ago. The current robot is the third prototype designed and built at AUS. We are very proud and delighted to be selected as a finalist for this international competition," added Dr. Abdel-Hafez.

The finals will be held February 17-18 in Dubai Media City. Winners will be announced on February 18 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, who will also award the winning team AED1 million as prize money.