Arun ShankarThe American University of Sharjah recently hosted the Robotics and 3D Printing in the Construction Industry Showtime, which concluded the series of workshops focused on the promotion of the Sharjah Construction Industry Innovation Challenge Program. The Program is a cooperation project of the AUS, Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park and the Oulu University of Applied Sciences, aimed at developing a world-class innovation system in Sharjah.
The exhibition highlighted the technological innovations that accelerate the development of the construction sector in line with the requirements of the 21st century and the national directive to increase economic diversification in Sharjah and the UAE.
The research workshops witnessed participation from main departments of the American University of Sharjah, including civil engineering, mechatronics engineering, industrial engineering, architecture and design. Visiting students from Finland carried out joint projects with focus on architecture and design, mechatronics, information and communications technology, and construction management.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of AUS Enterprises and CEO of Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, highlighted the significance of the exhibition in determining the success of the sessions in introducing the Sharjah Construction Industry Innovation Challenge Program. The program is important as it focused on exploring the best ways to apply 3D printing techniques within the construction sector locally and regionally.
He emphasised that the success of this initiative is an important addition to the efforts aimed at enhancing Sharjah’s leadership on the global innovation, development and knowledge landscape, in line with the directives of HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, in making scientific research and innovation an everlasting culture in the emirate.
Al Mahmoudi added: “The collaboration between the AUS, Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park and the Oulu University of Applied Sciences has produced remarkable results in enriching knowledge and sharing of expertise in the 3D printing industry, which is expected to contribute $300 billion to the global economy by 2025.”
“We look forward to our international partnerships and initiatives to enhance the role of Sharjah as a leading hub for robotics and 3D printing in the construction sector. We will continue to consolidate channels of effective communication with Oulu University to transform our aspirations into developing a world-class ecosystem that supports innovation in construction field and 3D printing in UAE.”
