FEATURE: GITEX 2018
The potential of smart roads
The Internet of Things has connected a
multitude of mundane objects but perhaps
its most exciting use concerns road systems.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Management. VR was first introduced in
a paediatric setting for the purposes of
reducing pain during procedures that require
a calm demeanour by providing a distraction
for children’s eyes and minds and away
THE EVENT PROVIDES THE PERFECT
OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE,
CONNECT AND DISCUSS SOLUTIONS.
The smart platform enables guests to pay
for their activities and amenities in an
efficient, secure and effortless manner.
The platform also uses smart contracts that
allow the hotel to pre-define guests’ terms
and refund conditions.
Liquid D founder Jawad Riachi said: “We’re
proud to be able to integrate our blockchain-
based smart settlement platform Lucid Pay
into a world-class brand such as Atlantis, The
Palm, Dubai. We have focused on ensuring
the product is easy to use, with a convenient
learning process.”
Roads are currently expensive to maintain
and can’t do much besides allowing
above-ground transportation. However, a
Kansas City tech start-up called Integrated
Roadways is trying to change that. Its
‘smart pavement’ vision promises to make
roadways safer by imbuing the road itself
with smart technology. Before too long it
might be possible to get the road itself to
call an ambulance for you in the aftermath
of an accident.
Robotic initiatives
Robots are expected to turn into one of the
most sought after technologies to become a
US$500 billion industry by 2025 globally.
GITEX 2018 will feature a series of world-
first initiatives that could be ready to spark
a whole new automation movement.
Attending the event will be:
• Softbank Robotics: A programmable
robot company making humanoids
accessible for businesses
• Kuka and DigiRobotics: DigiRobotics
is the only official KUKA system partner
in MENA at the front of the Industry
4.0 race
• UBTECH: Leading developer of
humanoid robots for education
and entertainment
• Amro Kamel Group: Exclusive distributor
of AMY Robotics, Cerevo Technologies
and Robot Security System
Utilising Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality (VR), often associated
with Gaming, is finding a new purpose
in an unexpected place: Pediatric Pain
60
INTELLIGENTCIO
from the procedure. The key is to create
stimulating games that are appropriate for
every age group, and no children who have
experienced the VR treatment have reported
discomfort. A bright future is predicted for
VR especially in the treatment of children for
acute and chronic pain management and
anxiety and stress minimisation.
Blockchain integration
Undoubtedly, Blockchain will be one of
the hot topics visitors to GITEX will be
discussing and it’s no surprise with the
excitement it’s generating in the industry.
For instance, Lucid Pay, a smart settlement
platform, has integrated Blockchain
technology into the systems of the Atlantis,
The Palm, claiming to make it a first for
hotels worldwide.
The cashless-based solution eliminates
disputes and fraud, while providing automated
loyalty programmes and speedy executions,
which hotels can take advantage of.
Helen Woodard, Director of Finance at
Atlantis The Palm Dubai, added: “From an
operator perspective, time is money and
innovation, as well as efficiency, are key.
Hence, the implementation of the cashless
payment system increases the convenience
for us as cash is no longer physically handled,
audit time is spent more effectively, and
greater security is guaranteed.”
The new venture is timely with the
announcement of the Emirates Blockchain
Strategy 2021, where at least half of the
country’s federal transactions would be
powered by Blockchain technology by 2021. n
www.intelligentcio.com