Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has announced the establishment of two new departments and four associated graduate programs in robotics and computer science. This move is in response to the growing global demand for these disciplines, which is projected to reach an estimated value of $225 billion for robotics and $140 billion for computer science by 2030.
The new departments will complement the university’s existing departments in computer vision (CV), machine learning (ML), and natural language processing (NLP), which are ranked among the top 20 globally by CSRankings. They will serve as academic homes for faculty, researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and students specializing in robotics and computer science.
To support these new departments, MBZUAI has launched master’s and PhD programs in robotics and computer science. These programs aim to contribute to the development of the UAE’s artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem and strengthen its position as an international hub for AI research and innovation.
The Robotics Department will focus on research in areas such as deep learning, control theory, human-robot interaction, and precision agriculture. The Computer Science Department, on the other hand, will provide in-depth knowledge of foundational technologies and emphasize entrepreneurship and sustainability.
The demand for robotics expertise is expected to increase significantly, revolutionizing industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation. However, there is a projected talent shortage that may result in up to 85 million unfilled jobs by 2030. Similarly, the computer science job market is booming, with an estimated 3.5 million jobs by 2026 and a 14.5 percent compound annual growth rate.
The master’s programs in robotics and computer science will take two years, including a mandatory internship, while the PhD programs will last four years, also including a compulsory internship. These programs aim to provide students with theoretical and applied skills that can have a maximal impact on the UAE.
MBZUAI aims to be at the forefront of AI education and research, offering distinctive and globally competitive programs. These new departments not only position the university as a global AI leader but also highlight the interdisciplinary nature of AI, combining various disciplines such as computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing.
Applications for the 2024 admissions year will open on September 1, 2023.
