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Sultan Qaboos University, through its College of Engineering, continues to pioneer advancements in artificial intelligence technologies by developing sophisticated systems for autonomous vehicles. The university’s research team is dedicated to harnessing artificial intelligence to enhance the performance of unmanned vehicles, with a particular focus on developing accelerated processors for the precise algorithms that govern these vehicles.
Notable achievements include a research project aimed at detecting cracks in offshore platforms, significantly reducing costs and time for the Port of Sohar. Additionally, the team has developed an autonomous boat capable of navigating to specific areas to monitor oil spills from ships and tankers. This boat is equipped with two drones that assist in tracking pollutants in territorial waters.
Dr. Ahmed bin Said Al-Mashani, Head of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the College of Engineering, stated that the research team has embarked on a series of projects related to autonomous vehicles to find practical solutions to challenges facing both public and private sectors. Dr. Al-Mashani emphasized the importance of knowledge and technology transfer to maximize the benefits of these vehicles across various fields.
Diverse Applications and Significant Benefits
Dr. Al-Mashani discussed the multiple applications of autonomous vehicles, highlighting the use of drones to survey offshore platforms for fine cracks in collaboration with the Port of Sohar and the free zone. These drones have also been employed in nature reserves to identify endangered species and their populations in partnership with the Environmental Conservation Office. In the agricultural sector, drones assist in pinpointing areas that require greater attention from farmers.
Rapid Technological Developments
The College of Engineering has shown significant interest in autonomous vehicles for over a decade, with this interest increasing since 2018 as the enabling technologies for these vehicles have matured. The research team has transitioned from learning the technology to developing highly complex algorithms, facilitating the transfer and dissemination of knowledge to other institutions.
Challenges and Opportunities
Dr. Al-Mashani affirmed that autonomous vehicles represent the future, noting that the rate of adopting these technologies may vary from one country to another and over different timeframes. He explained that the challenges faced by the industrial sector translate into technical problems that require engineering solutions, highlighting the need for enhanced communication between the industrial sector and academic institutions.
The Future of Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous vehicles consist of a complex array of hardware and software, distinguished from traditional vehicles by the presence of multiple sensors that allow them to perceive their surroundings and make appropriate decisions. These processes require high-efficiency processing and advanced artificial intelligence algorithms.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Aspirations
Dr. Al-Mashani emphasized that the ongoing efforts to understand autonomous vehicles and their accompanying technologies are integrative initiatives aimed at enhancing knowledge and transferring technology to the local community. He explained that the research team aims to employ modern technologies not only to automate processes but also to improve quality, reduce costs, and decrease the time required to complete tasks.
He added, “The necessary physical and human resources are present in the Sultanate of Oman; the decision now lies in moving forward in this direction. For example, Ufuq Oman serves as a model in the drone manufacturing industry within the Sultanate.”
Source: Oman Daily
