If you fancy a glimpse of the future, there’s no better place to be than the Gadgets Expo this weekend. The event is being held for the first time as part of the Malta Robotics Olympiad, the largest local technology fair, which opens tomorrow at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre in Ta’ Qali.

The Samsung Family HubThe Samsung Family Hub

The Expo is being put up by the team behind the long-running TV show Gadgets, that updates viewers weekly with the latest news and products from the tech world.

Rachel Cachia, Ian Busuttil and Martina Zammit, the show’s hosts, are very excited about this venture.

“Excitement levels are off the charts… It’s a cocktail of excitement, nerves, joy, fear… I can’t wait,” Ms Zammit said.

“This has been an ambition of ours for almost a decade… and while I don’t want to reveal too much, I’ll just say: it’s going to rock!” Ms Cachia continued.

The exhibition aims to appeal to both gadget-buffs and technophobes alike, across all generations. 

Emphasis will be placed mostly on interactivity, with the public being able to get their hands on, and test, many of the gadgets on display.

Noise-masking sleepbuds and high-tech speakersNoise-masking sleepbuds and high-tech speakers

“There’s going to be a variety of different gadgets for the public to ex-perience. From artificial intelligence to creative and artistic space, there’s something for everyone,” Mr Busuttil commented. 

“Some are very important in our efforts to protect the environment, others are just pure fun. All of them are pretty ingenious. You don’t need to be a gadget aficionado to be impressed by what we have in store,” Ms Cachia added.

Among the major attractions on show is a state-of-the-art robotic dog named Aibo, the latest gadget in Sony’s Aibo line. 

The presenters described it as being “very cute” and “adorable” but added that it is much more than just a toy.

There’s something for everyone

“He has a very high level of artificial intelligence and is capable of learning, just like a real dog,” Ms Cachia noted.

Other items that should pique one’s interest will be the Samsung Family Hub, a high-tech refrigerator which allows one to shop for food, organise family schedules and watch the latest TV series; the Philips Ambilight TV, which uses LEDs to offer an immersive viewing experience; and the Renault Twizy electric car, an urban compact two-seater that is fun to drive. 

Robotic dog Aibo is one of the star attractions of the exhibition.Robotic dog Aibo is one of the star attractions of the exhibition.

A virtual cycling machine will give users the feeling of cycling in stunning locales.

There will be an Instagram Box, an artistic installation where visitors can take some “cool” selfies, and a JBL Splash Proof Water Display, which will demonstrate the waterproof capabilities of the latest JBL speakers.

“You’re about to be amazed by what you’re going to see,” Mr Busuttil, who is looking forward to meet viewers of the TV show, promised.

The Renault Twizy electric car is one of the environmentally-friendly gadgets that will be on display at the Gadgets Expo.The Renault Twizy electric car is one of the environmentally-friendly gadgets that will be on display at the Gadgets Expo.

The Expo is also hosting a charitable initiative. Broken and unused smartphones and tables can be taken to the Phonefix stand, where they will be repaired and then donated to charity.

The Malta Robotics Olympiad is being held at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre tomorrow, between 4 and 10pm, on Saturday between 9am and 10pm; and on Sunday between 9am and 6pm. For more information, visit www.mromalta.com.

The Olympiad is being organised by the Ministry for Education and Employment.

High-tech headphonesHigh-tech headphones

The Alfagrill, Malta’s first car BBQThe Alfagrill, Malta’s first car BBQ

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