Smart Robots in the Kingdom

Smart Robots in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are one of the technological tools adopted by the Kingdom as part of its strategy to keep pace with digital transformation. They are among the applications of artificial intelligence that contribute to the development of infrastructure and enhance an environment that enables the public, private, and non-profit sectors to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Robots are used in the service sector to provide streamlined tasks for beneficiaries within the required scope. In industrial sectors, robots are used to automate operations and applications with high precision and error-free performance, aiming to increase productivity and flexibility.

Robots are distinguished by their ability to carry out work in hazardous environments and in tasks requiring security and safety measures, such as removing explosives, demining, firefighting, handling toxic substances, or responding to floods and earthquakes.

Government entities in the Kingdom use chatbots on their electronic platforms, government service portals, and affiliated call centers to provide beneficiaries with information about laws, regulations, policies, services, and procedures.

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque launched the "Guidance Robot", which guides Hajj and Umrah performers on how to perform rituals and provides fatwa. It also offers instant translation in eleven languages and allows remote communication with Sheikhs. Additionally, several smart robots are deployed to guide female worshippers in prayer areas.

Saudi Telecommunication Company (stc) has provided two types of smart robots to serve pilgrims, equipped with 5G technology to facilitate the performance of Hajj rituals. The first type is personal, roaming among pilgrims, talking to them, answering their inquiries, and providing guidance and advice. The second type is security-oriented, programmed to monitor and track compliance with precautionary and preventive measures.

The Center of Smart Robotics Research at King Saud University designed three mobile robots capable of sensing pollution, creating maps of its locations, and purifying the air through four electronic systems: a mapping system, a navigation system, a sensing system, and an air purification system.

The Saudi Electricity Company announced the contribution of smart inspection robots equipped with cameras and sound technologies to collect data in reducing the previous difficulties of inspecting stations compared to traditional methods.

Visitors of Boulevard Riyadh City Zone were greeted by "RS21" robots that interacted with them, danced to the tunes of the season's songs, and conducted surveys. They are the first in the world to speak slang Saudi Arabic, attracting significant interaction from visitors of the Riyadh Season in 2021 from all age groups.

Saudi Aramco has presented four research projects in the field of robotics that have obtained global patents. The first is a robot for inspection and examination in shallow water beneath the sea surface, capable of working, inspecting, measuring thickness, and protecting oil pipelines from corrosion. The second is for cleaning the surfaces of solar panels from dust and impurities that reduce generated energy efficiency. The third is a robot for inspecting oil pipes and tanks to ensure the integrity of their walls using ultrasound waves, to prevent oil or gas leakage accidents. The fourth is a robot for calibrating the size of oil tanks and accurately measuring the quantity of oil sold using laser beams.

The first Saudi robot named 'Sara' appeared at the Saudi Digital Pavilion participating in the "LEAP 2023" international technical conference in its second edition in Riyadh City. It was manufactured in collaboration between Saudi Digital and Qss Company. Sara engaged with visitors, interacted with them, performed traditional dances, and responded to visitors' inquiries. The robot 'Sara' was equipped with an AI-powered camera to recognize the distance of people standing in front of it and initiate a dialogue session after the visitor greets it with the phrase "Hala Sara."

Sophia is the first robot to be granted Saudi citizenship, in October 2017 during the Future Investment Initiative. Sophia appeared during the Future Investment Initiative in 2017, showcasing the latest developments in the robotics technology sector to visitors.

The Kingdom won first place in the Future Innovation category for the primary stage at the international level in the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) held in Dortmund, Germany, in 2022. The Kingdom was represented by the Saudi Federation for Robotics and RC Sports, in partnership with the Saudi Federation for Cyber Security, Programming, and Drones, the Ministry of Education, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Prince Sattam University, King Salman Oasis, and Thakaa Company. The competition featured 365 teams from seventy-three countries. The Kingdom secured the seventh position in the Robot Sport category, the eleventh position in the Future Creators category for the intermediate stage, and the fourteenth position in the Future Creators category for the secondary stage.