Dubai Develops New Technologies in Robotics

Innovations are to affect aviation and logistics

Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has announced a next stage of automatization in the city. Three companies (Emirate Airlines, DP World, dnata) have signed an agreement confirming their commitment to implement new technologies in the city alongside with the Dubai Future Foundation.

Companies are to develop automatic systems depending on their needs. DP World will be focusing on creating autonomous electric cars. Emirates Airlines promised to invent a check-in robot for customer service, a waiter robot for waiting rooms, and an automated luggage system. dnata and DFF will jointly develop and implement robots to help airport maintenance.

"These three partnerships will contribute to strengthening Dubai and the UAE’s position as a living laboratory for advanced technologies and innovations. Deploying robotics, automation, and future technologies in key sectors enhance economic diversification and raise Dubai's long-term competitiveness and attractiveness as a platform for launching and growing businesses and enabling international trade with cutting-edge logistical services" said Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in the UAE.

The new agreement succeeds the Dubai Robotics and Automation Program, launched in September 2021. It should contribute to the development and automatization of five main areas: production and manufacturing, consumer services and tourism, healthcare and connected mobility, logistics, and extreme environments.