Research Areas:
Track-1: Decentralized Autonomous Systems and Blockchain:
The invention of Bitcoin, followed by other similar crypto-economy platforms brought with it a new distributed computing paradigm that proved to be very useful in many areas. The technology is codenamed “Blockchain”, based on the underlying distributed data structure. With the emergence of Ethereum as a full distributed virtual computer and development platform, it is clear that Blockchain is evolving into a new platform with potential applications in many areas. The technology has been endorsed by all major tech companies such as IBM, Microsoft, SAP and others. Blockchain is creating a lot of “buzz” in financial and business markets. Our research will concentrate on further developing the technology and applying it in many business and enterprise areas. In addition, the lab will provide many services to help organizations adopt the technology to build innovative systems.
Track2: Data Science, Mobility and Big Data and Intelligent Cloud
With the explosion of data and information in the knowledge era, many organizations are competing to extract and mine the “gold” hidden data. A lot of research is being conducted in the new emerging “Data Science” field. Coupled with cloud and mobility technologies, this led to the emergence of unique agile platforms that are reshaping and redefining business and enterprise structures and approaches. Most of the work done in this area is based on the intelligent cloud infrastructures (sort of higher order cloud systems that provide technologies and techniques to handle complex information).
Research in this area will concentrate on promoting the core technologies and models, while innovatively applying these technologies to relevant areas. Most of the research in this area will be problem-driven.
Track 3: Intelligent Systems and Deep Learning:
Most of the modern AI systems rely heavily on deep learning technologies. The field of deep learning is strongly based on neuro-science, and recent developments show that it has been effective in providing short-cut solutions to complex problems.
Already, some of our teams are applying the technology to solve problems in areas of image recognition and NLP.
Track 4: Mixed Reality, HCI and Holography:
This is an emerging area that will have deep impacts on human computer interaction, collaboration, learning, mobility and other areas of life. The possibilities are huge, limited only with our imagination. Some of our teams are already working in the area of HCI. Research in this area will be need-based and problem-driven. As many organizations in KSA are looking forward to apply this technology, the lab will be fore and front in exploring the possibilities and providing the required support.
Track 5: Natural Language processing and Chat Bots:
Recent advances in computing technology boosted research and development in the area of natural language processing (NLP). This led to the appearance of many intelligent applications in the area of NLP such as chatting Bots, Speech Recognition Systems, and Intelligent Assistants such as Cortana and Siri. Research in this track will concentrate on contributing to the on-going efforts to improve accuracy and performance, with special emphasis on Arabic.
Track 6: Computer Vision & Image Processing:
Image processing and computer vision are becoming major components of many current applications. This is in line with the on-going transformation from traditional text-based computing models to the more intelligent digital media computing models. Research in this area will focus on building accurate and efficient models that can be used to build applications at the domestic and international levels.
Track 7: e-Leadership and e-Quality:
The natural interplay between “Complexity Systems” and “Advanced Information Technology” is giving rise to new models of leadership and quality management in private and public organizations. Research in this area will focus on new e-Complex models for leadership and Quality Management.