Dubai Future Labs (DFL) and Osaka University, under the supervision of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), have signed an agreement to collaborate on research and development (R&D) of new technologies and concepts. This collaboration aligns with the “Dubai Research and Development Programme,” which aims to support key economic sectors and create growth opportunities through a comprehensive framework for research, development, and innovation across the emirate.
World-Class Research Collaboration
Under this agreement, DFL and JST’s Moonshot Goal 1 will engage in joint R&D activities with the University of Electro-Communications, RIKEN, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International, and Cyber Agent, Inc. They will establish a world-class research laboratory, themed “Cybernetic Avatar Alliance: Dubai Japan Laboratories for Cybernetic Avatar Technologies.”
The collaboration will focus on cutting-edge research in cybernetic avatars across three main projects:
- Operating a large number of Cybernetic Avatars (CAs) by a single operator using a large language model (LLM).
- Developing a cybernetic avatar robot suitable for multi-cultural interactions.
- Conducting social acceptance studies on different types of Cybernetic Avatars (CAs).
Strengthening Dubai’s R&D Programme
DFL and JST’s combined efforts will bolster Dubai’s Research & Development Programme, supporting priority areas such as Health & Wellbeing, Environmental Technologies, Smart Built Infrastructure, and Space. Their leadership teams discussed potential joint projects related to the JST Moonshot Research and Development Programme, particularly focusing on Moonshot Goal 1: Realization of a society where humans are free from the limitations of body, brain, space, and time by 2050.
Promoting Knowledge Exchange
Khalifa AlQama, Executive Director of Dubai Future Labs, emphasized their commitment to working with top global researchers to advance critical research and development areas. He stated, “The Japan Science and Technology Agency and DFL share a vision for a future enabled by technologies, where challenges are overcome through innovation.”
Dr. Hashimoto Kazuhito, President of JST, highlighted the importance of building an international network of multinational research partners. He noted, “Conducting demonstration tests in Dubai will be crucial for achieving the Moonshot Goal and fostering a new generation of global innovators.”
A Vision for the Future
This collaboration aims to advance research in robotics, digital technologies, AI, and cybernetic avatars. The ultimate goal is to realize a society free from the constraints of body, brain, space, and time, contributing to global technological advancements and innovation.
