'Robocup' bags top spot in Inter-University Software Development Competition

The team, led by Seyed Salim Tabatabaei, demonstrated its unique robotics project 'Robocup' in which the team has developed software that enables robots to play football against humans in a virtual, fully manipulative environment. This software can be used to enhance hand-eye coordination in an interactive, educational environment. The software developed will be used in Robocup 2007 Robotics Competition to be held in the United States, focusing on 3D simulation.

The second prize in the national SDTS 2007 competition was won by UOWD for its Extendible Device Interface (XDI) project which aims to provide an adaptable interface between technological devices such as a PDA and a laptop, enabling an application running on the laptop to be controlled by the program on the PDA. This provides a flexible and extendible system. For example, Windows Media Player running on the laptop can be controlled by the user from the PDA.

The third prize went to Etisalat University for its Mobile Remote Surveillance System that allows a person to use a mobile device to connect to a monitoring system, using wireless technology. This would enable a mobile phone user to check activities on the surveillance system without having to be attached to the conventional security room. For example, the system can send an alert to the mobile phone, such as an SMS, if motion is detected within a room.

'SDTS 2007' saw students in IT and Computer Science programs from across the UAE demonstrating software projects undertaken at their respective institutions. There was a large turn-out of IT enthusiasts, industry experts, members of community and students interested in software development. Visitors were given the opportunity to vote for their best projects.

The projects were judged by Professor Mahir Subhi Ali, Chair, Ajman University of Science & Technology, Mr. Saeid Marashi, Director of Industry Development, Computer Associates (CA) and Mr. Pooya Darugar, Architect Evangelist, Microsoft. The judges hailed the projects for their high standards and expressed confidence that the students who designed the projects could aspire for great achievements in IT in future.

The participating universities were Higher College of Technology - Dubai Women's College, Zayed University, Ajman University, American University of Sharjah, Mahe Manipal University, University of Dubai, UAE University, Bits-Pilani University, Etisalat University, University of Sharjah Men's College and University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD).

The projects were evaluated on the basis of four main criteria: innovation & research, real world applicability, integration of new technology and benefit to the community. The Trade show was opened by Professor Raed Awamleh, Dean of Academic Affairs, UOWD, and Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director, Dubai Knowledge Village.