GITEX Shopper has come and gone, offering up some stellar tech deals. Next up on the technological calendar is GITEX Technology Week, showcasing cutting age tech for businesses. Here’s a look at some of the craziest stuff.
Taking place at Dubai World Trade Center, GITEX Technology Week is hailed as the Middle East’s largest tech event, drawing in more than 100,000 visitors from October 6-10, it is comprised of over 4,500 exhibitors from over 140 countries, the event showcases all the technological advancements in the world and provides conferences and workshops for businesses of all sizes.
This year stands as the 39th GITEX, and showcases everything from robots, to flying vehicles, to much improved online security.
Here’s a look at some of the coolest things at GITEX this year:
Virgin Hyperloop One pod
Location: Hall: Sheikh Maktoum, Hall Stand: SM-A1
The future of public transport, Virgin’s Hyperloop One travels using an electromagnetic propulsion system, firing itself through the vacuum tubing it is housed in. The Hyperloop is promised by Virgin to be able to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in just 12 minutes.
Beyond its high-speed and futuristic propulsion system, the Hyperloop is promised to be luxurious. Its pods contain spacious leather seats, air-conditioning, and a host of screens for entertainment and information purposes.
An example of one of these pods can be experienced at GITEX right now.
Furhat Robotics (brought by Etisalat)
Location: Hall: Sheikh Maktoum, Hall Stand: SM-C30
Self-proclaimed as the “The most advanced human-like social robot”, Furhat is a human-like robot that can communicate with you, express emotions, show facial expressions, and maintain eye contact all thanks to the power of AI.
Furhat Robotics will be at GITEX giving you the chance to interact with the robots. It is hoped Furhat robots can one day be used as information points in airports, malls, and even your office. It is able to hold realistic conversations and even teach languages.
Furhat Robotics CEO and co-founder, Samer Al Moubayed said: “The UAE is known around the world for its innovation and forward-thinking approach when it comes to using emerging technology such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and robotics to solve real-life challenges that people face.”
“This makes it a perfect launch pad for our technology, and the early adopter attitude in the region makes Furhat a great fit for the market. Furhat is a very new technology, and a lot of its potential is still to be realized. At Gitex, the largest tech event in the Middle East, we look forward to discovering and developing partnerships with key players in the region.”
Microsoft demonstrations
Location: Hall: Hall 7, Hall Stand: H7-D1
Microsoft will display a variety of industry-first demonstrations around AI, Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity and explore modern workplace through interactive experience zones.
Microsoft is hosting a number of stalls showcasing the new security improvements to a variety of its products, including the entire Office 365. It is also showcasing improvement to cloud technology and the communication between data-carrying devices.
Lazareth Flying Motorcycle (brought by Etisalat)
Location: Hall: Sheikh Maktoum, Hall Stand: SM-C30
It is exactly as cool as it sounds, a flying motorcycle that can also be driven on the road. Fully functional as a conventional bike, the device can also have the wheels fold out and upwards to become jet-powered air thrusters.
When the bike is in flight mode it produces more than 240 kg of thrust, and the bike itself weighs just 140 kg. Previous prototypes have been built around a 470 horsepower Maserati engine, then putting a jut turbine into each wheel.
Recent demonstrations of the vehicle have shown it capable of hovering while a person is manning it.
The Puppy Cube by hachi
Location: Hall: Hall 8, Hall Stand: H8-8
The Puppy Cube is a portable projector you can place on any surface to have it project an interactive touchscreen. The projection is in full HD and can be up to 100 inches large, it is able to hook up to your phone to display your screen, or even act as a standalone device.
It comes with a custom Android UI, meaning you can download thousands of games and apps. The device can cast a projection in both horizontal and vertical proportions, meaning you can turn any wall or floor into a touchscreen.
