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
Large numbers of Tokyo residents rallied in front of Shinjuku Station on Saturday to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan, warning that her comments and her administration's push for military expansion risk drawing Japan into a war.
Takaichi claimed during a Diet meeting on Nov 7, 2025, that the Chinese mainland's "use of force on Taiwan" could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, a remark that immediately drew strong criticism at home and abroad.
"Takaichi's remarks that a Taiwan emergency could constitute a 'survival-threatening situation' clearly point to a government leaning toward war. We must stand up and voice our opposition," a protester said.
Another protester accused the government of deliberately steering Japan toward conflict.
"I believe the Japanese government is preparing for war, constantly revising laws and conducting military exercises. We stand against this. Despite knowing that China will respond forcefully, they continue to make such statements intentionally -- their true intention is to push for war," she said.
Protesters also expressed strong opposition to the Japanese government's continuous increase in defense spending and its aggressive military agenda.
"Upon taking office, the Takaichi government immediately pledged to increase defense spending to 2 percent of GDP, and now it even seeks to boost it to 3.5 or even 5 percent. It is clear that Japan is the one truly seeking to start a war," one of the demonstrators said.
Others cited Japan's wartime history in Asia.
"After all, Japan had invaded the Korea Peninsula, the Taiwan region, and China. Simply expressing opposition to war is not enough; we need concrete actions to prevent it. Otherwise, the Japanese army could very well cause bloodshed again in Asia. We feel a profound sense of crisis about this," a protester said.
Tokyo residents rally over Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks, warn Japan is being pushed toward war
