The 36th edition of the International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2024) has brought together researchers around the world to explore the role of robotics in achieving sustainable development goals.
Running from Monday to Friday in UAE's Abu Dhabi, the IROS 2024 presents various events including forums and workshops under the theme of "Robotics for Sustainable Development". Visitors can also find smart robots in the exhibition area performing all kinds of tasks from making drinks to playing soccer.
Khalifa University, the organizer of this year's convention, brought the IROS to the Middle East for the first time in the event's 36 years run.
"Our planet is under increasing threats, from more population, from habitat destruction, pollution, many, many areas. So I think robotics and AI, they are at the forefront of trying to solve these challenges and to address the sustainability development issues. And we are very, very proud to be hosting this event now," said Dr. Lakmal Seneviratne, director of the KU Center for Robotics and Autonomous Systems at Khalifa University.
IROS 2024 explores robotics' role in sustainable development
IROS 2024 explores robotics' role in sustainable development
China is gaining a growing reputation as one of the top global tourism destination as more international travelers marvel at its modern infrastructure and enjoy its safe and hospitable environment.
The country is experiencing a surge in tourism during the five-day May Day Holiday which began on Friday, with more and more global visitors making the trip thanks to the introduction of a range of visa-free and transit visa policies for ordinary passport holders from many countries.
The bustling city of Shanghai has seen a hike in international tourism in recent days, with a number of foreign visitors flocking in to explore China's culture and enjoy the local cuisine.
"We are impressed with China. We love China now, and we are similar in the culture. For example, the spicy food," said a tourist from Mexico.
Meanwhile, Chongqing, a mountainous metropolis in the country's southwest has also become a trending destination for tourists from across the world, with many amazed by its stunning and distinctive cityscape.
"[This] city on the hills is amazing, so when you first go to one of the rivers and you see how the huge buildings cluster over the rivers, that's amazing," said a British traveler.
"I also think that the infrastructures are very good and very futuristic and modern, like the subway is very efficient and it's very good. So I want to give a thumbs-up to like the Chinese people because I think they are very kind with foreigners, like every Chinese people I met in Shanghai and here, they always are very friendly," said a tourist from France.
On top of the eye-catching attractions and impressive infrastructure, many highlighted the friendly nature of the Chinese people and the sense of security they feel while traveling in the country.
A group of three friends from Spain said they have been impressed by the hospitable welcome they have received, and the level of social trust they have encountered during their stay China.
"We feel like at home, even though most of them they don't speak English, they are nice," said one of the group.
"You can [not worry about] the pocket, they don't try to like steal from you or anything. If you forget the phone at the table, they go like: 'hey, you forgot that'," said another.
"When we just arrived in Shanghai and he forgot the e-book in the plane and I received an email, like 'guys you you forgot the e-book in the plane'. So for us, it was wow, crazy," added another of the Spanish tourists.
Foreign visitors marvel at China's modern infrastructure; safe, hospitable environment
