Dubai Future Labs and JST Partner on Cybernetic Avatar R&D

Dubai Future Labs, in collaboration with Osaka University and under the guidance of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), has signed an agreement to explore new technologies and concepts through joint research and development (R&D). This initiative supports the “Dubai Research and Development Program,” which aims to bolster key economic sectors and foster growth by providing a structured framework for innovation across Dubai.

The collaboration involves Dubai Future Labs and JST’s Moonshot Goal 1 working with several prestigious Japanese institutions including the University of Electro-Communications, RIKEN, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International, and Cyber Agent, Inc. They aim to establish a premier research laboratory, the Cybernetic Avatar Alliance: Dubai Japan Laboratories for Cybernetic Avatar Technologies. The focus will be on three main projects:

1. Operating multiple Cybernetic Avatars (CAs) by a single operator using a large language model (LLM).

2. Developing a cybernetic avatar robot suitable for multicultural interactions.

3. Conducting social acceptance studies on different types of Cybernetic Avatars.

Khalifa AlQama, Executive Director of Dubai Future Labs, emphasized the importance of global collaboration in advancing research and development. He stated, “We are committed to working with the world’s top researchers, experts, and institutions to exchange knowledge and ideas to advance research and development in critical areas.”

Dr. Hashimoto Kazuhito, President of JST, highlighted the significance of this partnership for achieving the Moonshot Goal. He remarked, “Conducting demonstration tests in Dubai will not only be crucial for achieving the Moonshot Goal but will also foster a new generation of innovators with a global perspective.”

The collaboration between Dubai Future Labs and JST will contribute to Dubai’s sustainability initiatives by driving innovation in key areas such as Health & Wellbeing, Environmental Technologies, Smart Built Infrastructure, and Space. This partnership aims to create a sustainable future through advanced research and development, supporting the emirate’s economic growth and technological advancement.

By combining their strengths, Dubai Future Labs and JST are set to unlock new potentials in R&D, fostering a future where technological advancements overcome human limitations and enhance global innovation.