REEM-B: UAE's First ‘Home-Grown' Humanoid Robot

Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Pal Technology proudly announced yesterday the launch of Reem B, a prototype for the development of one of the most sophisticated humanoid service robots in the world, during an exclusive launch event on Reem Island, Abu Dhabi.



Reem B is the next generation prototype of a humanoid robot designed and built by Pal Technology, a UAE based multi disciplined business established in 2000. The 60kg robot's customized hardware and software development makes it a truly autonomous, self-contained service robot, able to communicate with humans and perform a number of unique and sophisticated tasks.


Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, REEM-B, & Prof Noel Sharkey

Reem B is the evolution of the first humanoid robot REEM-A created by Pal Technology Robotics, REEM-B has the unique ability to map and self localize itself, both elements that distinctly set it apart from REEM-A. Although both robots can perform face recognition, object recognition, voice recognition and walking, Reem B, can also converse with humans, walk dynamically, recognize and grasp objects, accept voice commands, and even remind appointments.

"REEM-B is equipped with an infrared laser on its feet, allowing it to find its way and generate autonomously a map of its environment onto a computer screen which guests are able to witness in real time." said Davide Faconti, Team leader and coordinator of the REEM-B project.

REEM-B is also able to carry up to 25% of its weight, making it the world's strongest humanoid robot. In addition, the 1.47 meter tall robot has a fingered hand with 12 motors, and is able to maneuver up and down stairs, with added sensors to ensure that it avoids any obstacles. REEM-B also boasts the longest battery autonomy of any robot - an impressive 120 minutes.

"REEM-B is still at the prototype stage, but all robots in world are prototypes at the moment. This [project] picks up on a lot of skills that other robots have, to make an interesting collection of skills - I would say it is probably among the top ten in the world," said Noel Sharkey, professor of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at the University of Sheffield, who attended the event as a guest of Pal Technology.

During the exclusive launch event, Pal Technology presented Abu Dhabi University with a scholarship program for outstanding post graduate students, from the Computer Science and Robotics department. As part of this program, students will be given the opportunity to work with the team of experts behind the advancement of REEM-B and to assist first hand with Pal Technology's future research and development plans.

Read Also:
Pal Robotics (Official Website)
Abu Dhabi based company PAL Technology unveils latest generation humanoid Robot Reem B (Press Release)
Pal Technology launches new robot (Gulf News)
Brave new world of robotics (The National)
Robot with a difference! (Khaleej Times)