News
Dubai Municipality To Test Construction Materials Using AI Robots
The technology shortens testing from 4 days to 8 minutes, according to experts.
The Central Laboratory of Dubai Municipality is now using robots employing X-Rays and AI technology to conduct the automated chemical analysis of various construction materials, including cement.
Testing is linked to a smart laboratory platform, allowing engineers to receive inspection reports through smartphones and other mobile devices. The new system will improve the quality of the Municipality’s testing services to meet top international construction standards.
.@DMunicipality leverages AI robots to test construction materials used across #Dubai, resulting in a shortened testing period of 8 minutes, down from 4 working days, and an increased daily ratio of samples tested by 650%.https://t.co/iTzhfv9jUT pic.twitter.com/VqJ6Dp31zV
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 16, 2023
Hind Mahmoud Ahmed, Acting Director of the Dubai Central Laboratory Department at Dubai Municipality, explained, “The robots utilize X-rays to precisely carry out chemical analysis of construction materials and cement products used, which allows for effectively meeting the requirements of the construction sector. The technology shortens the duration of the tests from 4 days to 8 minutes, with a record daily increase in the ratio of samples examined to 650 percent, compared to the previous pre-application situation”.
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As well as helping to meet stringent safety standards, cement testing also impacts sustainability. Inspection of various mixtures can quickly ascertain their lifespan, helping city planners make better choices when commissioning new buildings. What do you think of the new AI robots?
News
Saudi Digital Payments Reach 80% As Cash Use Shrinks
Visa data shows cards and mobile wallets dominate spending, with smartphones now driving a growing share of daily transactions.
Digital payments now account for 80% of all transactions in Saudi Arabia, according to Visa’s latest Where Cash Hides report, another marker of how quickly the Kingdom is moving away from cash.
The share is up four percentage points from a year ago. Around 67% of consumers are now largely non-cash users, paying mainly with cards or mobile wallets. Smartphones are taking a bigger role, with mobile payments making up 16% of transactions.
Cash is retreating in routine spending. Eating out dropped 9%. Bill payments fell 8%, as shoppers opt for faster checkouts and app-based payments.
“The data shows a steady move toward digital payments in Saudi Arabia. Such progress is possible only because banks, fintechs, merchants, and technology partners are moving together in the same direction, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” said Ali Bailoun, Visa’s Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman.
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Despite the recent findings, it’s important to note that cash hasn’t yet disappeared. It still shows up for tips (39%), peer-to-peer transfers (28%) and rent (14%).
Visa points to security features such as tokenization, along with rewards and cashback, as factors nudging more spending onto cards and phones — a shift that tracks with Saudi Arabia’s wider Vision 2030 push to digitize commerce.
Saudi Digital Payments Reach 80% As Cash Use Shrinks
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