Muscat, Jan 29 - An international conference on unmanned vehicle systems or drones is being organised by the College of Engineering at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). The conference, the first of its kind in the region, will be held from February 5 to 7.
Dr Ahmed bin Saeed al Maashari, assistant professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Automated Systems, said there is a need to raise awareness about these systems and their use for multiple purposes. “The economic benefits expected from these systems should also be defined.” He said there is a need to encourage students of schools and universities to participate in robotics and unmanned vehicle competitions to spread knowledge about these systems.
In the first session, the conference seeks to discuss unmanned vehicle systems and their uses and aims to encourage interaction between those interested in the field and to discuss ways of cooperation between different parties interested in these techniques.
Dr Al Maashari said this vehicle is not limited to military purposes. “A roving robot can be used to clean houses without human intervention, while an unmanned aircraft or a remotely guided drone can be used by amateur photographers effectively to take pictures.” He said drones can also be used in disaster-stricken areas for search and rescue operations.
The State Council last year approved a draft law regulating drones, which proposed a comprehensive legal framework for the import, trade, circulation and use of drones.
It also ensures their use in a manner that takes into account security, personal privacy and technical aspects.
According to Dr Al Maashari, such vehicles could be in the form of an unmanned aircraft controlled by a wireless remote control or a self-driving car. The second type is the most difficult in terms of development and implementation because the vehicle relies on a complex set of artificial intelligence systems.
Some vehicles can be used for sea, sub-sea, atmosphere and space.
“Unmanned vehicles may be used for civilian and military purposes such imaging, topography, ocean exploration, air defence, missile guidance and mine detection,” he said.
An unmanned aerial vehicle is equipped with a specialised camera for geo-surveys or a ground vehicle may be equipped with a remote automatic arm.
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