Sep 19, 2024

SMiLE Conference Explores Future Mobility

Dhahran – Imagine a near-future where fully autonomous vehicles are wirelessly linked, communicating with each other in real-time to create optimal route planning, thereby saving money, increasing efficiency, time, and reducing carbon imprint. That is the kind of future being explored during the very first International Conference of Smart Mobility and Logistics Ecosystems (SMiLE) hosted by The King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.

SMiLE is a technical conference that reflects KFUPM’s transformation and is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to sustainable cities and local communities that optimize city management systems through cognitive automation and carbon-free transportation. The topics covered support green mobility initiatives through peak performance, operability, and stability. SMiLE is organized by the Interdisciplinary Research Center of Smart Logistics and Mobility in collaboration with the University’s event organizing platform, KIKX.

“The conference theme and goals are closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and serves as a critical platform for exchanging ideas and advancing research contributions to global efforts in building smarter, more sustainable cities,” says SMiLE steering committee chair, and VP Research and Innovation Dr. Ali Al-Shaikhi. “At KFUPM we are committed to leading this transformative journey and we have long recognized the need to rethink how we approach smart logistics transportation and the environment through initiatives that emphasize green technologies.”

Conference chair Dr. Sami El-Ferik opened the event congratulating the University for supporting the research and entrepreneurial efforts for the green initiatives being explored during the conference. “Welcome to SMiLE, our event where we will engage in discovery and collaboration between academia, researchers, and the professional spheres,” he said. “Our mission is to foster knowledge exchange of the latest advancements in these critical fields to spark meaningful discussions that will shape the future of smart mobility and logistics.”

In response to the call for papers, El-Ferik says there were 162 paper submissions from 120 academic institutions ranging from over forty countries, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s opening up to the world and the welcoming of global research, perspectives, and ideas from all corners of the globe. Half of all papers submitted originated from countries outside KSA. Additionally, fifteen track chairs hail from seven countries, forty-two scholars represent fifteen nations, and over 100 technical paper reviewers were drawn from over forty-two countries.

Event topics address the planet’s need for mobility and logistics research that will make the world a better place for humanity. The subject areas range from the transformative power of sustainable smart mobility solutions, to the crucial role of sustainable cognitive cities, the need for empowering the future of logistics, and the role of autonomous vehicles in enhancing traffic safety.

The conference is attended by more than 400 participants and runs September 17 – 19, 2024.