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In line with the UAE’s drive to be a leader in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has put in place plans that will integrate AI into students’ lives as well as explore new programs in this field.

The move is in sync with the multiple initiatives undertaken by the UAE in the field, including the recent announcement of Abu Dhabi’s plans to open the world’s first research-based graduate-level university for Artificial Intelligence, and appointing a UAE Minister for Artificial Intelligence.

The University’s first step in this direction was the recent appointment of Dr. Sam Kherat, Associate Professor, Dean of Graduate Studies, Research and Incubators. He is an aerospace engineer by training and roboticist by profession. He has dedicated many years at Caterpillar Inc. using robotics techniques to help construction and mining workers manage those dull and dangerous jobs on remote sites. He also set up and managed Caterpillar’s Automation Centre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which played a crucial role in the development of the autonomous haulage system, autonomous drills and semi-autonomous tractors.

Echoing his excitement over the new role Dr. Sam Kherat said: “As an educator, my commitment is to be a catalyst assisting students find a career passion. This is where Artificial Intelligence wields its magic. Because each student has unique abilities that are difficult to assess using standardized testing, I believe that AI algorithms are perfectly suitable to eliminate instructors’ bias and guesswork.”

Dr. Sam Kherat was one of the participants in the Artificial Intelligence Forum, which was organized last month in Dubai, addressed by the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar Sultan Al Olama, who shared his insights on the UAE’s AI Strategy, outlining the nation’s ambition to be at the forefront of technological revolution. The Minister also spoke about the ministry’s initiatives to make lives easier for the residents and citizens of the country.

Dr. Sam Kherat commented: “Education is not really taking full advantage of AI. It has the potential to bring about dramatic transformation in students’ lives. It can help do away with the concept of running schools and colleges as education silos. AI algorithms and blockchain can help enrich assessment techniques and make graduates more employable; or at least, minimize ramp-up time as new hires. Rather than standardizing education, let us personalize it and pay attention to individual talents that may be hidden.

“CUD’s vision is to make every student fully ready to meet market needs or a successful entrepreneur,” he added.