Abu Dhabi Students Develop Life-Changing AI Tech for Visual Impairments
Abu Dhabi, UAE: In a remarkable showcase of innovation and coding skills, 42 Abu Dhabi students have developed groundbreaking technology to support individuals with visual impairments. The coding school recently organized a hackathon titled AI See a Solution: Computer Vision Hackathon 2023 in collaboration with Al Hathboor Bikal.ai, a cutting-edge solutions provider dedicated to technological advancements.
The two-day hackathon aimed to foster creativity and problem-solving by challenging students to utilize coding and AI to solve real-world challenges. To prepare for the event, students participated in a workshop focused on Computer Vision using Python Frameworks, Python Libraries, Open-source Models, and Datasets.
The winning team, consisting of Ahmed Salem, Ghaiath Abdoush, Shatha Jadallah, and Nousheen Ali, created an application called ‘Sawt AlRu’ya.’ This innovative application utilizes cutting-edge computer vision and AI technology to analyze live video streams. It converts the video into real-time textual descriptions, which are then translated into spoken words using a Large Language Model (LLM). By providing immediate audio feedback, ‘Sawt AlRu’ya’ empowers individuals with visual impairments to interact with their surroundings effectively, thereby enhancing their daily lives and promoting inclusivity.
In second place, Avazbek Rashidov, Timur Mazitov, Zubaydullo Abdirakhmonov, and Nauman Munir developed Visulaw, a tool that enables users to capture photos of objects and instantly receive location-specific information about relevant fines and laws associated with those objects. This web application enhances user awareness and compliance with local regulations, fostering safer and more informed interactions with everyday objects.
Expressing his excitement, Marcos Muller Habig, Acting CEO of 42 Abu Dhabi, shared that the hackathon provided students with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and unleash their creativity. He also emphasized the role of 42 Abu Dhabi in upskilling a new generation of coders who can drive digital transformation and make a positive impact on society.
Raj Sandhu, General Manager of Al Hathboor Bikal.ai, expressed pride in collaborating with 42 Abu Dhabi and promoting technological advancements through coding and practical sciences. He commended the participants and the support received from the 42 Abu Dhabi faculty and looked forward to future collaborations.
42 Abu Dhabi, launched as an initiative of ADEK in 2020, is an innovative coding school that drives the ongoing development of Abu Dhabi through investments in business, innovation, and human resources.
The recent hackathon demonstrated the potential of Abu Dhabi students to develop life-changing AI technologies for individuals with visual impairments. With their creativity and coding skills, these students are paving the way for a more inclusive society where technology empowers and enhances lives.
In collaboration with Al Hathboor Bikal.ai, 42 Abu Dhabi continues to nurture talent and drive technological advancements, positioning itself as a leading institution in the field of coding and digital transformation. The success of the hackathon further solidifies the school’s commitment to equipping a new generation of coders who will contribute to the advancement of Abu Dhabi and society as a whole.
