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's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with visiting German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Beijing on Monday, and called on German companies to seize opportunities and deepen cooperation with Chinese partners in traditional and emerging sectors.
Wang noted that economic and trade cooperation between China and Germany has helped both sides develop industrial integration, interconnected markets, and complementary technologies, stabilizing and deepening bilateral relations, while also promoting the healthy development of China's trade and economic relations with the European Union (EU).
"We welcome German companies to seize new opportunities, consolidate cooperation in traditional sectors including machinery, automobiles, and chemicals, and tap the potential for cooperation in emerging businesses such as clean energy, intelligent manufacturing and biopharmaceuticals," said Wang.
Wang also noted that the current trend of politicizing trade and economic issue is on the rise, and global industrial and supply chains are being severely disrupted as a result. China and Germany, as well as China and the EU, should uphold free trade and safeguard the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, Wang said.
Wadephul said Germany opposes protectionism and considers China its most important trading partner. He added that Germany wants to maintain and expand the positive momentum of cooperation.
"China is a driver of innovation and a major hub for high technology in many aspects. We are very keen to maintain exchanges with China both economically and scientifically," said Wadephul.
China and Germany are the world's second and third biggest economies. According to German data, China was once again Germany's largest trading partner in the first three quarters of this year.
China’s commerce minister meets with German FM, calling for deepening cooperation
