Preparations for IDEX: ADNEC trials advanced visitor-assistance robot

Abu Dhabi, Feb 20, 2011 (WAM) - Underscoring its position as an innovator within the global live events industry, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has announced that it will begin trials of a robot which can assist visitors at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, providing them with information and guiding them to stands and key locations within the venue.
The pilot project featuring the 2011-REEM (Reem), will take place during the upcoming International Defence Exhibition '&' Conference (IDEX 2011). In addition to greeting and guiding visitors, Reem has also been programmed to provide a personalised greeting to a number of VIPs who will be visiting the tenth anniversary edition of IDEX which begins on Sunday 20th February.
ADNEC is believed to be the first exhibition and live events venue to trial such an initiative. Commenting on the pilot project, His Excellency Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, ADNEC Managing Director said, "We are delighted to be able to trial Reem during the forthcoming IDEX 2011.
Reem is the latest robot prototype from PAL Robotics (PAL Group), a Royal Group conglomerate company based in Abu Dhabi. 1.65m in height, with a mobile base that enables the robot to move at 5km/hour, the advanced capabilities of Reem include a motorised head with vision, face tracking and recognition functions. The robot contains sensors and a multimedia touch screen that can offer information in various formats, as well as the ability to speak to a helpdesk attendant via video conference.
With 73,000sqm of indoor event space, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre is the Gulf's largest exhibition centre and hosted 148 events last year including exhibitions, conferences, concerts, weddings, corporate meetings and conventions. - Emirates News Agency, WAM