10 coolest things we saw at GITEX
With technology evolving at such a rapid pace, it can be difficult to keep track of all the latest gizmos and gadgets.
So we headed down to GITEX – the 3rd largest technology event on the planet, which is being held right here in Dubai now – to find out what the latest and greatest in tech is.
Here are the 10 craziest, coolest and most useful things we saw…
1. Coco the ‘Actroid’
Quite possibly one of the first in line to pass the Turing test, Coco the ‘actroid’ made an appearance at Gitex this week in Dubai. If the uncanny lifelike appearance wasn’t cool enough, Coco also seems to speak a number of languages, and can be seen responding in Arabic in the first few seconds of the video.
Despite being one of the most human-like androids we’ve seen so far, we can’t help but feel that until Coco is able to walk around and make us a cup of tea, she’s essentially just Siri in a suit.
2. ROVER:S5 Perimeter Intrusion Detection System
One of our favourite things on show was the innovative, yet rather goofy looking ROVER:S5.
With its chubby body and long slender neck, the ROVER:S5 looks somewhat like a plastic ostrich. However, the ROVER:S5 is much more intelligent, and is fully capable of carrying out unmanned surveillance on mapped out routes – with a Stereo Vision Camera detecting obstacles to provide changes to the route if necessary. If an intruder is detected, the ROVER:S5 will cease to move along its designated route, and will instead switch to the optimal path towards the intruder.
The ROVER:S5 will then proceed to transmit target coordinates to the other rovers, and will continue to activate the alarm and begin transmitting video of the intruder alongside GPS coordinates to the nearest guard station. Guards can then either deem it a false alarm, or can choose to have the robots chase after the intruder, with the ROVER capturing video until intercepted by human guards.
** More… Why you should never commit a crime in Abu Dhabi **
3. FireBot
Considered the first robotic firefighting system in the world, the FireBot is fully able to identify the source of a fire in a building and deal with it. The FireBot comes armed with motion sensors and thermal cameras, ensuring FireBot isn’t mowing down those in its path who are attempting to flee the burning building.
Once the source of the heat has been discovered FireBot can extinguish flames using either water or powder through its robotic arm. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like FireBot can climb stairs…
4. Monster GO DJ Portable Disk Jockey
The perfect portable tool for any aspiring DJ, the Monster GO DJ is about the size of a TV remote, and fits in your backpack much more easily than a full-size set of turntables.
With a 3-band equaliser, 16 step-beat sequencers, 3 musical pads and a recorder, the Monster GO DJ meets all the needs for basic mixing. Coupled with an Auto DJ function, the Monster GO DJ will be able to mix your music automatically – great for when you’re driving, better for when you’re partying.
5. Smart Robot Educational School
This Smart Robot, affectionately known as Albert, is a robot where users enjoy various games and educational programmes. Attach Albert to a smartphone, and he can roam around and guide users across over 60 applications and various educational tools. With a constant stream of software and educational programmes being developed for him, Albert is cute, and serves as a fun way of learning new things.
6. Windowmate
Like the Roomba’s distant cousin, the Windowmate is a magnet based, small-scale window cleaning robot. The Windowmate is able to automatically recognise the length and width of each window, sticking itself onto the glass ready to start cleaning at the click of a button.
Once finished, the Windowmate will return to its starting point to let you know once the window has been cleaned. Sounds like a much easier solution than hoisting oneself up the side of a skyscraper in a little metal basket to scrub windows. Yikes.
** More… The bravest men in Dubai: Window cleaners **
7. Artbot
Again removing the need to send people up the side of buildings, the ARTBOT is a robot that serves to paint buildings safely in an unattended remote control manner. ARTBOT works by spraying graphic pixels directly onto exterior walls, removing both the risk of human error, and also allowing for more complex building designs to jazz up our streets.
8. XBOT
The XBOT is a powerful, robust, all-terrain robot that is fully remote controlled, and comes with video streaming capabilities, as well as a powerful swinging arm – capable of pulling large trailers for applications such as crop-spraying, remote video surveillance, beach cleanups and much more.
9. Parrot Bebop Drone w/ Skycontroller
Those briefed in the world of drones have probably heard of Parrot, but quite possibly the coolest product in their GITEX entourage was the Parrot Bebop Drone with Skycontroller. As if drones weren’t cool enough, the Skycontroller looks like something that could feature in the new Star Trek film. Offering improved control precision, extended range, FPV glasses compatibility (yes, that means seeing through your drone’s eyes) and more, Parrot are right at the forefront of the up and coming drone technology.
10. Mini 3D Printer: 3Doodler 2.0
As if 3D printing wasn’t cool enough, the 3Doodler has taken it one step further, making it easily available to the masses. Under the guise of a chubby pen, the 3Doodler has received a 2015 revamp making it slimmer and lighter than its old brother. Basically a pen that can draw in the air, the 3Doodler works by extruding heated plastic filament that cools almost instantly into a solid structure – allowing you to draw whatever your heart desires in three dimensions.
Until October 22
GITEX, Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Wed 11am to 7pm and Thur 11am to 3pm. Dhs125 for a one day pass, Dhs250 for multiple day pass. Tel: (04) 3321000. gitex.com.