Dr. Claudio Zito

Assistant Professor, Heriot-Watt University Dubai

“The CogWaters project, funded by the Dubai RDI program, is led by Heriot-Watt University Dubai in collaboration with the Edinburgh campus and the UK National Robotarium. This initiative represents a transformative opportunity to integrate cutting-edge AI and robotics into urban decision-making, bridging academic excellence to drive innovation and address real-world challenges in the field. Our team is incredibly excited about this project, as it aligns with Dubai's vision for innovation and sustainability while promising to make a meaningful impact on the community.”

The CogWaters project, led by Heriot-Watt University’s Dr. Claudio Zito with co-investigators Dr. Radu Mihailescu, Dr. Adrian Turcanu, and Prof. Yvan Petillot, is set to revolutionise debris collection in Dubai's urban waterways through the development of an advanced cognitive architecture for Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). The lead institution for this initiative is Heriot-Watt University Dubai, in collaboration with Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh and the UK National Robotarium. This project will enable significant advancements in autonomous systems capable of navigating complex environments.

CogWaters addresses pressing urban challenges by enhancing decision-making and situational awareness through the integration of a Semantic World Model and state-of-the-art machine learning and reinforcement learning techniques.

The project will also fund Heriot-Watt University’s Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in AI and Robotics, which will train new professionals in the field of intelligent robotics to support Dubai's growing specialized workforce.

Key deliverables include a comprehensive OWL-based ontology for semantic interoperability, an advanced perception system, and a fully functional USV prototype. The impact of CogWaters extends beyond robotics - promoting sustainable urban initiatives, enhancing local talent, and stimulating innovation within Dubai’s RDI ecosystem. Through public outreach and community engagement, CogWaters aims to raise awareness and foster support for technological advancements in environmental management, ultimately contributing to Dubai’s vision of becoming a global hub for innovation and sustainability.