The Robotics and Autonomous Systems Center (RAS) at German Jordanian University (GJU) had the honor of hosting a visit from His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, may God protect him. During the visit, Dr. Mutaz Ryalat, Director of the center, presented an overview of the center and its research activities, highlighting its vision of supporting applied research aimed at serving society and various productive and service sectors, including factories, companies, and national institutions.
During the visit, Dr. Ryalat emphasized the importance of directing scientific research toward practical solutions for real-world challenges, contributing to economic development and enhancing the competitiveness of industrial sectors. In this context, he reviewed the Smart Factory Lab, which covers a wide range of technologies associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, focusing on the integration of intelligent systems, automation, digitalization, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and industrial cybersecurity, contributing to the development of national industry, improving efficiency, and raising readiness for modern technological transformation.
The importance of partnerships between universities and the industrial sector was also emphasized through joint research and applied projects, notably in the food industry in collaboration with Al-Kasih Group, Al Hussein Technical University, and Jordan University of Science and Technology, reflecting an effective model of cooperation between academic and industrial institutions in developing innovative solutions with direct impact.
The presentation also highlighted the center’s efforts in developing ground and aerial robots using advanced technologies that embody the concepts of Swarm Robotics, alongside employing modern software for internal applications in manufacturing, transportation, monitoring, and logistics operations within warehouses and various facilities. These projects represent an important step toward employing intelligent robotic systems to improve operational efficiency and support technological transformation across sectors.
Furthermore, Dr. Ryalat reviewed additional projects initiated as part of building research and development partnerships in ground and aerial robotics, addressing national defense and developmental needs, which are a national priority in this sector. He noted that these initiatives are implemented through a consortium that includes several university research centers, along with the Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB) and units from the Arab Army, contributing to strengthening the national research and development system and transferring knowledge and technology into practical applications that serve the nation, particularly in industrial and defense sectors.
Student Ali Fayoumi also presented one of the distinguished student projects in drones and smart agricultural applications, involving a drone equipped with a camera to detect plant diseases, utilizing artificial intelligence for image analysis and early detection of agricultural infections. This project reflects the center’s approach to supporting applied student projects that employ modern technologies to serve vital sectors, primarily agriculture.
This visit reflects the commitment to supporting innovation and applied scientific research, enhancing the role of research centers in developing advanced technological solutions that serve society and support Jordan’s progress toward greater leadership in technology and intelligent systems.