UJ launches master’s program in AI and robotics…

AMMAN — University of Jordan (UJ) launched a
master’s program in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, a joint project
between the computer engineering and mechatronics engineering departments.اضافة اعلان

The Developing Curricula for Artificial Intelligence
and Robotics (DeCAIR) project which is funded by the EU’s Erasmus+ Program is a
supporter of the master’s program.

The program launched Thursday is the first of its
kind to be taught at a university in Jordan and involves AI and robotics. It
comes as Jordan gears up to transform itself in the digital era. The government
linked up all public offices electronically and many services are now being
done online.

Last month, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship announced that the draft 2023–2027 National Artificial
Intelligence Strategy and its proposed
executive plan will be open to public comment.
It said the strategy pursues an ambitious vision to position Jordan as a
regional leader in AI by creating an attractive legislative, technological, and
entrepreneurial environment for investment in neural networks and capitalizing
on the Kingdom’s talent pool.

“Launching the AI and robotics program gives us confidence that UJ is heading on the right path and is always in the forefront of academic achievements,” he said.

The UJ program is in line with the general framework
of the master’s programs, according to the dean of the engineering faculty,
Nasser Al-Hunaiti. He said anyone holding a Bachelor’s degree in any
engineering field can enroll in it.

He lauded the endeavors of professors, who have
worked since 2017 on the project alongside the external effort of those who
work in the DeCAIR.

UJ President Nathir Obeidat said: “I am glad to have
added this program to the university in light of the 60th anniversary of UJ.”

“Launching the AI and robotics program gives us
confidence that UJ is heading on the right path and is always in the forefront
of academic achievements,” he said.

But Obeidat criticized the engineering faculties for
excluding the IT faculty from the program, “which should have had a key role in
it alongside the computer and mechatronics engineering departments.”

“In light of the fourth industrial revolution which
will have an effect on the administration and governance levels in the future,
such programs became a must by using technology and digital technology in
various industries,” Obeidat pointed out.

The coordinator of the DeCAIR project Gheith Abandah
agreed with Obeidat that the program came in response to the changes in the
fourth industrial revolution.

“The project aims at qualifying experts in the AI
and robotics technology who are able to solve problems and develop businesses
using these technologies, in addition to developing AI and robotics courses for
6 Bachelor’s programs 5 master’s programs in Jordanian universities,” he said.

DeCAIR allocated 95,000 Euro to the project,
establishing an AI and Machine learning laboratory, robotics lab, purchasing electronic
tablets, and a video and picture conference system, according to Abandah.

The program’s curriculum consists of five mandatory
courses; including Research Approach, Applied Machine Learning, Machine Vision,
Robotics Systems, Applied and Industrial Robotics, in addition to eight
optional courses.

Dr. Musa Al-Yaman from the mechatronics engineering
department, and responsible for developing curricula for Bachelor and Master’s
programs at UJ briefed the audience about the relevant courses in robotics and
AI.

He said that that four courses in mechatronics
engineering were developed, including Robotics Systems, Mobile Robots, Smart
Controlling, and Digital Controlling.