Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, conducted an extensive scientific tour of the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) in the United Kingdom, to explore the latest scientific research and advanced technologies in artificial intelligence, robotics, and smart manufacturing, as well as research applications that integrate academic innovation with modern industrial technologies.
The tour covered a number of specialized laboratories and research facilities, where the University President reviewed advanced scientific projects conducted by postgraduate students and researchers in collaboration with leading global companies and institutions. The visit highlighted the integration of academic research with technological applications and the role of advanced laboratories in developing innovative solutions to future challenges.
Key Highlights of the Tour Included:
• Healthcare Robotics and Smart Living:
A visit to the Personalised Assisted Living Studio, where the University President explored advanced applications of assistive robots in home care and healthcare services, as well as their role in supporting older adults and enhancing quality of life through smart systems and autonomous technologies.
• Autonomous Driving Systems and Smart Vehicles:
An overview of research projects focused on the development of autonomous vehicles and intelligent systems, including projects associated with initiatives such as VENTURER, which represent a model of collaboration between research institutions and the industrial sector in developing future transportation technologies.
• Advanced Manufacturing and Robotic Arms:
An exploration of the latest research in smart manufacturing and hybrid additive manufacturing, in addition to advanced industrial robotic-arm applications, including KUKA Robots, in carrying out precise and flexible production processes that support the evolving needs of modern industry.
• Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Robotics:
A review of applied research projects involving Quadruped Robots and interactive humanoid robots, including Pepper and PAL Humanoid Robots, with a focus on integrating artificial intelligence into sensing, interaction, decision-making, and autonomous mobility technologies.
The tour comes as part of Al-Mustaqbal University’s efforts to expand opportunities for collaboration and strengthen its engagement with leading international research centres and laboratories. It also reflects the University’s commitment to benefiting from advanced international experiences in developing its academic, research, and technological ecosystem, while creating broader opportunities for scientific exchange and knowledge transfer.
Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi emphasized the importance of maintaining continuous engagement with leading research laboratories and centres worldwide, noting that exposure to advanced scientific experiences represents a key step towards transferring knowledge, localizing modern technologies, strengthening the capabilities of researchers and postgraduate students, and fostering a research environment that encourages innovation and applied research.
The visit reflects Al-Mustaqbal University’s vision of keeping pace with rapid developments in artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous systems, and advanced manufacturing, while strengthening its position within the global research landscape and contributing to the preparation of academic and research professionals capable of leveraging advanced technologies and developing innovative solutions to meet future challenges.
AL_mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq