News

Meet Dubai’s Groundbreaking Smart Robot Delivery Assistant

Cedre Valley in Dubai’s Silicon Oasis will host a three-month trial of the delivery robots, aiming to enhance logistics efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

Published

5 days ago

June 27, 2024

Nour Nasir

meet dubai's groundbreaking smart robot delivery assistant

Emirates News Agency

A groundbreaking delivery robot is now undergoing a three-month trial in Dubai’s Cedre Villas community at the Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO). The innovative robot, developed in a partnership between logistics giant Aramex and the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), aims to revolutionize last-mile urban delivery services by enhancing efficiency and minimizing carbon emissions.

The trial in the Cedre Villas community will see the robot autonomously manage the delivery of over 1,000 packages. This upgraded version, equipped with multiple compartments designed for different parcel sizes, promises to boost delivery capacity and operational versatility compared to its single-cabin predecessors.

dubai delivery robot assistant

This cutting-edge technology is a part of Dubai’s ambitious strategy to integrate autonomous systems into its transportation network, with a goal of converting 25% of its transportation to autonomous mode by 2030. This initiative aligns with the wider Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which emphasizes sustainable urban growth and smart mobility solutions.

To ensure safety and security during the pilot phase, recipients of packages from Aramex will receive secure pin codes to access their deliveries. Additionally, robot operations will be continuously monitored by a mobile outlet at the Cedre Shopping Centre, which will also manage the loading and unloading of packages.

Muammar Khaled Al Katheeri, Chief Officer of Engineering and Sustainability at DIEZ, highlighted the importance of integrating carbon-neutral delivery robots into Dubai’s Smart City Strategy, reinforcing the city’s commitment to advancing green technology for urban development.

Also Read: NVIDIA Teams With Ooredoo For Large-Scale Middle East Launch

Meanwhile, Tarek Abuyaghi, General Manager of Aramex, voiced his enthusiasm for the environmental benefits and enhanced urban living experience brought about by the initiative. The collaboration with DIEZ reflects a shared dedication to developing future-oriented delivery solutions in Dubai.

The pilot’s success will be assessed based on key metrics such as safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Depending on the results, there may be an expansion of this technology to other economic zones, including the Dubai Airport Freezone and Dubai CommerCity.

News

Coursera Report Shows Surge In UAE Interest In AI Upskilling

The Emirates lead the Middle East and North Africa for skill proficiency and come second globally for business.

Published

5 hours ago

July 2, 2024

Nour Nasir

coursera report shows surge in uae interest in ai upskilling

Applications for generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) courses in the UAE have rocketed by over 1,100% during the past year, according to Coursera’s Global Skills Report 2024.

The enrolment rate easily surpassed the MENA region’s already impressive 861% year-on-year growth and the worldwide rate of 1,060%, signifying an increase in interest from UAE learners in AI and machine learning skill sets.

“Compared to other markets, the UAE has a higher number of expats, so the workforce structure may be more inclined to adopt technology-related or technology-impacted roles,” said Nikolaz Foucaud, Coursera’s managing director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

According to Coursera, the Emirates is now a leader in AI education, ranking third globally in the GenAI sector behind the USA and China. During the first quarter of 2024, over 1 million UAE users were active on the platform, with a median age of 35.

The MENA region is set to become a key player in digital transformation and trade, according to the report, as significant investments continue to be made in technology infrastructure and logistics. However, there is still a pressing need to boost technology skills proficiency, which currently sits at around 40%.

Also Read: The Most AI-Proof Career Opportunities In The Middle East

“When you speak to employers, they emphasize skills that AI disruption cannot easily replace or enhance in the short term – social skills, human skills, interpersonal skills, the ability to collaborate, lead teams, and communicate effectively, including public speaking,” Coursera’s Foucaud added.

Coursera’s report also highlights the importance of career-focused, accessible skill development, along with initiatives to further gender inclusivity in the online learning sector. Women in the UAE currently comprise 33% of Coursera learners, with 27% studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects.