Saudi University Students Develop 12 Research Projects in AI, Robotics at KACST Labs

Saudi University Students Develop 12 Research Projects in AI, Robotics at KACST Labs
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Saudi University Students Develop 12 Research Projects in AI, Robotics at KACST Labs

Saudi University Students Develop 12 Research Projects in AI, Robotics at KACST Labs

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) executed a 10-week cooperative training program for 24 trainees from several universities within the Kingdom, culminating in 12 research projects spanning diverse engineering and scientific fields.
The research projects were centered around the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, including human-robot interaction, advanced robotics, computer vision, generative AI, AI in healthcare, and integrated systems.
The projects also undertook the task of creating initial robotic models and advancing technological solutions employing sophisticated techniques and methodologies for the development of AI models, SPA reported.
Additionally, they assessed and enhanced linguistic models for the AI chatbot “ChatGPT” to align with local content and the Arabic language.
The Vice President of KACST for Future Economies Sector, Dr. Mariam Nouh, indicated that the training program was overseen by a research team of experts in AI and robotics technologies, advancing the skills of both male and female trainees by making use of the city's laboratories and facilities.
The experts provided them with knowledge in future economy domains such as cyber security, smart cities, advanced transportation technologies, earth and space sciences, along with upcoming communication and sensor technologies, Dr. Nouh said.



Peru Scientists Unveil Crocodile Fossil Up to 12 Million Years Old

Paleontologists unveil the fossil of a young marine crocodile dating back 10 to 12 million years discovered in Peru. Ernesto BENAVIDES / AFP
Paleontologists unveil the fossil of a young marine crocodile dating back 10 to 12 million years discovered in Peru. Ernesto BENAVIDES / AFP
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Peru Scientists Unveil Crocodile Fossil Up to 12 Million Years Old

Paleontologists unveil the fossil of a young marine crocodile dating back 10 to 12 million years discovered in Peru. Ernesto BENAVIDES / AFP
Paleontologists unveil the fossil of a young marine crocodile dating back 10 to 12 million years discovered in Peru. Ernesto BENAVIDES / AFP

Paleontologists unveiled on Wednesday the fossil of a young marine crocodile dating back 10 to 12 million years that was discovered in a Peruvian desert.
The fossil of the gharial -- or fish-eating -- crocodile, around three meters long (nearly 10 feet), was discovered late 2023 in perfect condition in Peru's Ocucaje desert, around 350 kilometers (190 miles) south of the capital Lima, AFP said.
"This is the first time we found a juvenile of this species, that is to say, it had not reached its maximum size yet. It died before that," vertebrate paleontologist Mario Gamarra told a news conference.
The skull and jaws of these specimens differed from that of today's crocodiles and alligators, according to Gamarra, who headed the reconstruction of the fossil.
"They had an elongated snout and their diet was entirely piscivorous, feeding on fish," said Gamarra.
"The closest current relative to this crocodile would be the Indian gharial," he added.
The discovery was made jointly by Peru's Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute and the La Union school.
Peru's Ocucaje desert is rich in fossils, such as four-legged dwarf whales, dolphins, sharks and other species from the Miocene period -- between 5 and 23 million years ago -- that were previously discovered there.