In a historic achievement for Arab scientific advancement, Professor Oussama Khatib, a distinguished roboticist and the director of Stanford University’s Robotics Lab, has been awarded the prestigious Great Arab Minds Award in the Engineering and Technology category. The accolade was presented by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, honoring Khatib’s groundbreaking contributions to robotics, particularly in the realm of deep-sea exploration.
Sheikh Mohammed praised Prof. Khatib’s work, stating, “From Syria, the land of civilisations, and Aleppo, the city of history and science, we celebrate the brilliance of one of its sons. The Arabs are capable of regaining their scientific leadership.”
A Revolutionary Achievement: The OceanOne Robot
Prof. Oussama Khatib is renowned for his creation of OceanOne, a revolutionary humanoid robot specifically designed for deep-sea exploration. This cutting-edge robot integrates advanced technologies such as haptic feedback, stereo vision, and bimanual manipulation, enabling it to replicate human-like dexterity and precision under extreme underwater conditions.
OceanOne has been pivotal in facilitating missions where human access is limited, such as shipwreck explorations and underwater archaeology. Its ability to navigate hazardous depths while delivering real-time feedback has set a new benchmark in robotics and underwater research.
A Career Marked by Innovation and Leadership
Prof. Khatib’s illustrious career spans decades of transformative contributions to robotics engineering. Having authored over 327 scientific papers, his work bridges theoretical breakthroughs with real-world applications. From robot motion planning to human-friendly robot design, his innovations have influenced fields such as healthcare, industrial automation, and haptic technologies.
Born in Aleppo, Syria, Prof. Khatib’s academic journey began at Al Mamun School before pursuing higher education in France, earning his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. Today, he is globally celebrated for his visionary leadership at Stanford University and as a Fellow of the IEEE.
Great Arab Minds Initiative: Recognizing Excellence
The Great Arab Minds Initiative, launched in January 2023 by Sheikh Mohammed, identifies and celebrates outstanding Arab talent across six categories: medicine, engineering and technology, economics, natural sciences, architecture and design, and literature and arts. Winners undergo rigorous evaluations based on achievements, publications, patents, and real-world impact.
This year’s award reaffirms the immense potential of Arab innovators. As Sheikh Mohammed highlighted, “We aim to celebrate scientists, thinkers, and innovators every year, proving that Arabs possess the intellect to lead globally.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Prof. Khatib’s success is not only a personal triumph but a moment of pride for Syria and the broader Arab world. His journey—from Aleppo’s classrooms to the global forefront of robotics—serves as an inspiration for aspiring scientists and engineers across the region.
By merging technology with humanity’s most ambitious endeavors, Prof. Khatib continues to push boundaries, reminding us that innovation knows no limits.