TUNIS, April 13: The 16th Arab Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Championship officially kicked off in Hammamet, Tunisia, on Saturday. Organized by the Arab Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Association (ARIAA), the event has attracted around 500 participants, including competing teams, trainers, and escorts from 16 Arab countries. Among the participants is Kuwait, represented by the Kuwait Information Technology Society (KIS).

In his opening speech, ARIAA President Ismail Yassin emphasized that the championship is one of the most significant Arab events dedicated to robotics design, programming, and artificial intelligence. He highlighted the large participation and the diversity of the teams, which span various age groups from all over the Arab world, totaling nearly 300 teams.

Yassin explained that the championship features competitors aged between 6 and 25 years and includes eight main competitions. These competitions cover various aspects of robotics, such as the line relay race, ball collection, sumo wrestling between two robots, and an innovation competition targeting students with creative projects. Other events include the robot arm competition and several competitions designed for children that address real-life scenarios.

He further noted that this session provides a vital opportunity for participating teams, trainers, and companions to promote a culture of innovation and excellence in robotics, programming, and artificial intelligence. This includes fields like data science, algorithms, cybersecurity, and deep learning. Yassin stressed that the championship’s efforts align with the ARIAA's goals since its establishment in 2012, which aim to spread the culture and knowledge of robotics and artificial intelligence throughout Arab societies.

He also emphasized that the championship plays a crucial role in motivating young students to engage with these sciences from an early age. This engagement will help Arab countries stay at the forefront of global technological advancements and create millions of job opportunities in the artificial intelligence and information technology sectors. Yassin added that achieving these goals requires a focus on developing students’ career paths, building their personalities, and offering educational programs that are tailored to the current generation of youth, fostering innovation and creativity.

Mohamed Al-Ghoul, the director of the 16th Arab Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Championship, highlighted the significance of Tunisia hosting the event. He noted that it would further Tunisia's development in the fields of robotics, programming, and artificial intelligence, while also providing a platform for competition, experience-sharing, and expertise exchange. Al-Ghoul explained that the championship stands out because it involves robotics competitions where robots are programmed to perform specific movements autonomously, without the direct intervention of the student or programmer.

The Kuwait Information Technology Society (KIS) is participating in the championship with a team of 12 middle and high school students, as well as an innovation team of university students. The KIS team is competing in various categories.

Dr. Abeer Al-Ameeri, Vice Chairperson of the Kuwait Information Technology Society, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the students received extensive training over the past months at the Society's headquarters. Under the supervision of the Board of Directors, they have been well-prepared and are now ready to compete in the championship.

Dr. Al-Ameeri added, "The association’s participation reflects its ongoing support for the development of national talent in artificial intelligence, programming, and robotics. It also underscores our commitment to representing Kuwait at technological and regional forums."

She emphasized that this participation offers a valuable opportunity for Kuwaiti students to engage with peers from various Arab countries and enhance their practical skills in a competitive environment. It also serves as a stepping stone for students to represent Kuwait in international championships and achieve even greater success.

Dr. Al-Ameeri expressed pride in the students' achievements and their role in representing the State of Kuwait at this important Arab scientific event.