Robots in Saudi Arabia

Robots in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are technologies based on artificial intelligence (AI) that the Kingdom has embraced as part of its emerging technologies. These technologies have become a significant focus of the Saudi government's agenda, aligning with efforts, initiatives, regulations, and the institutional framework for AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has adopted a regulatory framework for the use of robotics and automation, including the National Data Governance Interim Regulations and the Regulatory Framework on Internet of Things (IoT). It has also established specialized institutions, such as the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the National Center for Artificial Intelligence, and the National Data Management Office.

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

Robots are also used in the service sector to perform tasks that simplify processes for beneficiaries and are specifically tailored to the required field. In the industrial sectors, robots are employed to automate operations and applications with high precision, free of errors, to boost productivity and increase 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.

The adoption of artificial intelligence in the Kingdom has accelerated, leading to various robot applications that align with technological transformation and digitization. In 2018, the Ministry of Health announced the launch of a smart pharmacy in the Kingdom, operated by a robotic system, at King Fahd Specialist Hospital in Tabuk.

The robot was developed to perform its tasks efficiently, featuring the ability to reject expired medications and generate reports on drugs nearing expiration. It can read and verify the availability of medications and autonomously organize the optimal arrangement of medicines for dispensing, ensuring they are ready for distribution without human intervention. Additionally, the robot can operate automatically outside of official working hours.

Technological advancements in robotics have been a focus of scientific institutions in the Kingdom. During the second edition of the Global AI Summit, organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in September 2022, King Saud University showcased several of its scientific projects. These included the Memory Robot, the Remote Presence Robot for individuals with speech and mobility difficulties, the Rafiqi System Robot, and the Garbage Collection Robot.

The Intelligent Robotics Research Center at King Saud University designed three mobile robots that detect pollution, create maps of polluted areas, and purify the air. These robots operate through four electronic systems: a mapping system, a navigation system, a sensing system, and an air purification system.

To strengthen the role of robots in the technical field, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) established the National Center for Robotics and Intelligent Systems. The center aims to develop a knowledge ecosystem under the umbrella of research and development and seeks to create a research environment in the field of robotics and intelligent systems by conducting related research projects, building systems, implementing simulations, conducting supporting laboratory experiments, and leveraging local expertise and global research teams in this field.

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque launched the "Guidance Robot", which helps guide Hajj and Umrah pilgrims on how to perform rituals and provides religious rulings. It also offers interpretation in eleven languages and facilitates remote communication with scholars. Additionally, several smart robots have been deployed to assist and guide women performing the pilgrimage in women's prayer areas.

The use of robots extended to many of the authority's tasks. In September 2022, the "Recitations, Sermons, and Call to Prayer (Adhan) Robot" was launched by the Agency for Imams and Muezzins Affairs. This robot is dedicated to delivering the messages of the imams and muezzins of the Grand Mosque to visitors, in addition to utilizing modern technologies to serve the Guests of the Pilgrims.

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque employed robots in its operations and services during the Hajj season of 2022. This included the deployment of several robots to sanitize larger areas and cover various parts of the Grand Mosque, operating without human intervention. Additionally, the Zamzam Water Distribution Department was equipped with a robot capable of distributing Zamzam water bottles without human involvement, distributing thirty bottles in a single round within ten minutes.

In July 2021, Stc Group launched a series of smart robot technologies to serve the pilgrims of the Holy Mosque, in parallel with the Kingdom's rapid steps toward digital transformation. Among these were two types of robots. The first, known as the personal robot, operates using 3D technology, with the ability to move among the pilgrims, engage in conversations with them, answer their inquiries, and provide guidance and consultation. Additionally, it plays a role in enhancing communication among individuals in remote work settings and during the physical distancing required by the COVID-19 pandemic. The other robot used during that year's Hajj was the "security robot", which was dedicated to monitoring and ensuring compliance with the precautionary and preventive measures that pilgrims and workers at the Grand Mosque were required to follow, in accordance with the established health protocols. Equipped with artificial intelligence, the robot has the capability to measure human body temperature and detect whether individuals are wearing masks. It also takes charge of continuously sanitizing and disinfecting the area.

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 Saudi Federation for Robotics and RC Sports, known as "Tahakom", is responsible for offering training courses in robotics, programming, digital manufacturing, and sports competitions. It is the official government entity in charge of organizing tournaments, competitions, and the Saudi Robotics League, as well as developing regulations and laws governing robotics as an officially recognized sport in the Kingdom.

In an effort to contribute to the development of robotics technology and promote knowledge in the field, the name of the Saudi Federation for Remote Control and Wireless Sports was changed in November 2019 to the "Saudi Wireless and Remote Control Sports Federation and Robot", before ultimately adopting its current name, "The Saudi Federation for Robotics and RC Sports".

The sports sector in the Kingdom has also enhanced the use of robotics technology and explored technical talents through its competitions. In September 2022, the Saudi Federation for Robotics and RC Sports announced the launch of the preliminary qualifiers for the World Robot Olympiad (WRO 2022) for the 2022 season at the national level. The final qualifiers followed under the theme "My Robot My Friend".

Visitors to the Boulevard Riyadh City were greeted by "RS21" robots, which interacted with the audience, danced to the season’s tunes, and collected surveys. These robots, the first in the world to speak in the Saudi colloquial dialect, attracted engagement from visitors of all age groups during Riyadh Season 2021.

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 Science 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.

Robots have gradually spread across various sectors that have started using them, reflecting the trend towards digital and technological transformation. In December 2018, the Minister of Education handed the robot "Teqni" the ID card of the first robotic employee. The robot contributes to customer service through an electronic evaluation device and delivers messages to visitors of exhibitions and activities of the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation.

The first Saudi robot, named "Sara," made its debut at the Digital Saudi Pavilion during the LEAP 2023 international tech conference in its second edition, held in Riyadh City. It was developed through a collaboration between Digital Saudi and QSS. The robot interacted with visitors, performed traditional dances, and answered their inquiries. "Sara" was equipped with an AI-powered camera to detect the distance of people standing in front of it, initiating a conversation after being greeted by the visitor with the phrase, "Hello, Sara".

Sophia is the first robot to be granted Saudi citizenship, which occurred in October 2017 during the Future Investment Initiative. Sophia made her appearance at the 2017 Future Investment Initiative, where she updated visitors on the latest advancements in the field of robotics technology.

Titan the Robot gained fame in the Kingdom and was one of the notable robots hosted by the Saudi Council of Engineers in March 2020 at the Second International Engineering Conference and Exhibition in Riyadh. Tatian participated as a speaker, discussing the future of Saudi Vision 2030. This event marked a significant professional recognition of robots in the Kingdom.