Students from across the UAE develop cutting-edge robotic solutions for environmental sustainability
Third Edition Hosted by AUS Sees Outstanding Participation and Ingenuity
The third edition of the UAE Robotics Competition, hosted by the American University of Sharjah (AUS) on 8 April 2025, brought together the brightest young minds in engineering and technology. Organised in collaboration with Dubai Future Labs, Khalifa University, and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai, the event saw 111 students across 23 teams from 11 universities take on a series of robotics challenges designed to address real-world sustainability issues.
The competition, which drew over 100 applications from 24 universities, challenged students to design autonomous robotic solutions to improve waste management and promote environmental responsibility. The event continues to serve as a platform to nurture talent, encourage innovation and inspire students to apply their technical expertise to pressing global challenges.
Challenge Themes: Real-World Impact through Practical Application
Participants tackled three hands-on challenges that mirrored actual environmental concerns:
- Waste Sorting Challenge
Teams created robots capable of recognising and sorting different types of waste for efficient recycling. - Autonomous Ground Cleaning Challenge
Students developed mobile robots that could autonomously navigate areas, collect rubbish, and transport it efficiently. - Water Surface Cleaning Challenge
Entrants engineered robotic systems to identify and remove debris from water surfaces, addressing aquatic pollution.
Winners Who Impressed with Ingenuity and Precision
Congratulations to the following winning teams:
- Waste Sorting Challenge: Team Armpicks – Middlesex University Dubai
- Autonomous Ground Cleaning Challenge: Team Synergy – Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai Campus
- Water Surface Cleaning Challenge: SeaCat – Amity University Dubai
Spotlighting the UAE’s Rising Talent in Robotics
Khalifa Al Qama, Executive Director of Dubai Future Labs, praised the competition’s role in recognising and developing the UAE’s next generation of innovators:
“The UAE Robotics Competition is a vital platform to showcase emerging talent in robotics. It plays a pivotal role in encouraging young individuals to explore technological solutions for key societal challenges.”
Building the Future of Robotics and Sustainability
Dr Fadi Aloul, Dean of the College of Engineering at AUS, highlighted the educational significance of such initiatives:
“Technology alone cannot solve the world’s problems—people can. By offering opportunities like this competition, we’re preparing students to become the future leaders of innovation in automation and sustainability. It reflects our commitment to experiential learning and aligns with our new Bachelor of Science in Intelligent Systems and Mechatronics Engineering.”
Bridging Research, Innovation, and Real-World Impact
Competition organiser and AUS Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Dr Mohammad Jaradat, emphasised how robotics can transform sustainable practices:
“Autonomous robotics is reshaping industries by improving precision, scalability, and efficiency. In waste management, it can significantly reduce environmental impact and optimise processes. This competition offers a springboard for students to refine their technical capabilities while addressing global challenges through intelligent automation.”
Panel of Experts and Academic Collaboration
The event was guided by an esteemed organising committee of experts and academics, including:
- Dr Jenan Munsif – RIT Dubai
- Dr Tarek Taha and Dr Ahmed Al Attar – Dubai Future Labs
- Dr Hamad Karki – Khalifa University
- Dr Mohammad Jaradat – AUS
Engineering the Future at AUS
The AUS College of Engineering remains at the forefront of innovation, integrating artificial intelligence, data analytics, sustainability, and entrepreneurship into its undergraduate programmes. With dedicated research centres—such as the Energy, Water and Sustainable Environment Research Centre and the Artificial Intelligence, Smart Infrastructure and Robotics Research Centre—AUS continues to shape the engineers of tomorrow.
Click below to learn more about AUS engineering programmes.