The UAE is giving robotics research and innovations a shot in the arm with the announcement it has instituted an award.

It has launched a $1 million prize to be awarded to individuals, teams, universities and companies from the region and around the world who come up with innovative solutions with civilian applications.

While the winner in the international competition of the award takes home $1 million in prize money, the award also features a national competition offering Dh1 million ($272,000) to the winner.

Applicants for the prize – UAE AI & Robotics Award – must suggest new ways of improving an existing service using robotics and artificial intelligence, or offer new services that could be implemented through these  technologies.

Other requirements are that the projects should be semi- or fully autonomous and use the most advanced civilian technology available. They should also be safe and economical. 

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, said the UAE looks to artificial intelligence and robotics as a strategic and promising sector in view of the economic and scientific opportunities it holds, and its importance as one of the key areas of research and development in the biggest economies of the world.

Submissions for the award will be accepted until November 1. Participants can register through the Award website (roboticsforgood.ae) along with submissions of their videos and proposals.

The proposals will be reviewed by a judging panel of global experts following which 10 applicants from each category in the International and National competitions will be selected for the next round which will be announced on November 22.

The semi-finalists will be brought to Dubai to present a working prototype and give a live demonstration of their ideas in front of the panel of judges, which will include high-profile experts and specialists in artificial intelligence and robots technologies. The panel of judges will be announced at a later date.

The winners will be honoured at a special ceremony in February 2016 ahead of the fourth Government Summit in Dubai.