Neom's strategic investments in robotics set to boost Saudi Arabia's growth

In its article, New Atlas highlights that the integration of robotics into the construction sector is set to revolutionize the industry, offering significant advantages in efficiency, cost reduction, safety, and design flexibility. 

As Saudi Arabia transforms its desert landscape with numerous ambitious construction projects, it has enlisted advanced robotic technology to enhance efficiency and accelerate progress.

To summarize, Neom is the flagship project driving Saudi Arabia's efforts to shift its economy from being primarily oil-dependent to tourism-centered, as the use of fossil fuels is expected to decline in the coming years.

Some of the most prominent projects under the Neom umbrella include the Line megacity and the twin skyscrapers, Epicon. Clearly, constructing these developments requires vast amounts of materials and manpower. The goal of integrating automated robotics, therefore, is to minimize both.

To support this initiative, Neom's strategic investment branch, the Neom Investment Fund (NIF), has made a substantial investment in Europe's GMT Robotics.

While specific details about the types of robots being used or their functions have not yet been disclosed, it is clear that rebar production (the reinforcing rods used in concrete construction) will be a major focus, especially since Neom currently accounts for about 20 per cent of the world's steel supply.

"Having worked in the rebar industry in various forms for the past 30 years, it is very exciting to reach a point where the large-scale adoption of robotics and automation to improve the rebar process is happening," explains Ulrich Deichmann, CEO of GMT Robotics. "We share in Neom's ambition to rethink how construction is delivered and look forward to a highly successful partnership that will help revolutionize the construction industry."

"The benefits of robotics application within the construction sector are numerous. They include boosting task efficiency, reducing operating costs, improving health and safety, and optimizing design flexibility."

This announcement follows Neom's recent investment in concrete production and the establishment of a multi-plant concrete factory. Additionally, with Saudi Arabia securing the bid for the FIFA World Cup 2034, construction in the region is expected to rise significantly over the next decade.

By Naila Huseynova