Robots are becoming indispensable for many companies as they boost output while reducing costs. In 2022, the world had an all-time high of 3.9 million operational robots, driven by advancements in humanoids, AI, and machine learning, among other technological innovations.

“Commercial and industrial robots today can perform tasks that were previously unimaginable. For instance, robots have taken over numerous functions in production lines. In manufacturing, you often see a high level of automation with minimal human intervention,” says Manoj Ganapathy, robotics division manager at Jacky’s Business Solutions. The UAE-based tech solutions provider focuses on social robots for customer service and education.

One of the first educational institutions in the UAE to utilize robots is GEMS Dubai American Academy. The school has been using robots for several years to encourage students to practice coding and make lessons more interactive. In customer service, Quokka Gelato became the UAE’s first ice cream bar entirely staffed by robots when it opened in Abu Dhabi in 2022. 

“Interest in robot technology among UAE companies has grown significantly in recent years. Our social robots have found success in specific applications, including happiness centers like DEWA’s, educational institutions for STEM learning, special education, autism schools, and certain universities,” says Ganapathy.

AUTOMATING CONSTRUCTION, FACILITY MANAGEMENT

Robots can navigate sites and identify potential hazards in the construction sector. They can also assist human workers in executing tasks such as bricklaying, plastering, and painting with improved precision. Their ability to accurately measure materials ensures a more efficient use of resources, reducing material waste and related costs.

“Robots are changing construction methods by automating tasks, speeding up project schedules, and enhancing safety measures,” says Ibrahim Imam, co-founder and CEO for MENA & APAC at Austria-based proptech company PlanRadar.

“In the UAE and the Middle East, where ambitious infrastructure projects are common, using robots has become synonymous with innovation and advancement. From bricklaying to self-governing drones for site inspections, these technologies are reshaping how projects are conceived, implemented, and supervised.”

Robots are also used for interior painting, as seen with Singapore’s Myro, which launched the world’s first wall-painting robot in Dubai in 2021. 

In facility management, robots clean glass-fronted skyscrapers, contributing to environmental sustainability by employing a water circulation design and offering a safer alternative.

RESHAPING LOGISTICS

Robots are also crucial in distribution and fulfillment centers, performing highly repetitive tasks. This helps manufacturers and distributors maximize tight sales windows and handle promotions and seasonal demands.

“Robotic solutions have revolutionized industries by enabling 24/7 operations, reducing human error, and managing vast inventories with precise control and efficiency previously unattainable manually,” says Rami Younes, general manager at Swisslog Middle East. 

The Switzerland-based firm, which has operated in the UAE since 2014, provides robotic material handling solutions for supply chain functions such as high-density storage and retrieval of small items and groceries.

In retail and e-commerce, automated material handling translates to expedited inventory management, order picking, and delivery processes, whereas in consumer goods, it can significantly reduce order processing times. 

“Implementations of robotic handling solutions can lead to substantial time savings. For example, retailers can achieve order fulfilment rates up to five times faster than manual processes. One of our clients improved pick performance by over 50%, and shipment time was reduced by 3-4 hours per delivery per store,” says Younes.

Robotics are also redefining last-mile delivery, the final stage of the logistics process. 

In the Middle East, UAE-based Yango launched autonomous robots designed to deliver goods locally within a two-kilometer radius, ensuring an order reaches its destination within 30 minutes.

“Not many years ago, the concept of self-driving robots delivering our orders was something we would read about in science fiction. That vision has become a reality today,” says Nikita Gavrilov, Regional Head of Autonomous Delivery Solutions, Middle East, Yango.

Autonomous last-mile delivery robots can ensure swift delivery of items in the retail and food service industries. In the tourism sector, delivery robots can assist hotel guests by directly delivering amenities and room service to their rooms. 

Food delivery robots have already taken off in Dubai Silicon Oasis. Last year, online food-ordering company Talabat launched seven autonomous robots to serve 300 homes in the residential district.

THE PROMISE OF ROBOTIC SURGERY

Healthcare is another sector that is hugely benefitting from incorporating robots, particularly in surgical assistance. 

“Robots are already upending established surgical practices, ranging from cardiac to gynecological procedures,” says Dr. Shanila Laiju, group CEO at Medcare Hospitals and Medical Centers, a division of Aster DM Healthcare.

“Surgeons can now visualize in three dimensions and operate with greater precision thanks to these state-of-the-art surgical devices. Consequently, doctors can perform increasingly intricate, less invasive surgeries.”

Medcare is gearing up to implement robotic surgeries at Medcare Royal Hospital in Al Ghusais in Dubai. The introduction of robot-assisted surgery is expected to result in greater precision, better visualization, faster recovery, and minimal blood loss.

“As robots evolve, they will become more accessible and economical to the wider population,” Dr. Laiju adds.

SUPPORTING THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

With their ability to perform repetitive tasks much faster than humans, robots are poised to revolutionize how we recycle. 

A great example is Basatne International’s multi-million-dollar robotic machine that diagnoses mobile phones to assess whether they can be repaired, refurbished, or recycled. The facility, launched in Dubai Silicon Oasis, aims to extend phones’ lifespans and reduce e-waste in landfills. 

“Our AI-based robotic system significantly outperforms manual methods, processing up to 7,000 devices per day,” says Ammar Basatne, CEO of Basatne International.

“On average, it would require a team of 600 people to achieve this in one day. But, employing a team to do this has many caveats that can have undesired outcomes. For example, data security is a big issue. We offer high-grade automated wipe of data. So, there’s no human contact with someone else’s data and no possibility of breaches.”

LIMITATIONS

Although robotic systems have made giant leaps in recent years, some limitations remain. “While robots excel at repetitive and dangerous tasks, they lack the nuanced decision-making and adaptability of humans in complex, dynamic environments,” says Ganapathy.

Robots cannot interact with surrounding infrastructure in autonomous delivery. According to Gavrilov, integrating technologies that enable robots to operate elevators and interact with other infrastructure facilities independently could address this hurdle, but these are yet to be realized.

Irregularly shaped or fragile items can also be difficult for robots to handle, potentially leading to product damage. Moreover, skilled talent to develop and operate such solutions is scarce, notes Younes.

“Future advancements may focus on enhancing the robots’ tactile sensitivity and rely on closing the existing skills gap to overcome these hurdles,” he adds.