Cranes dance in the desert, but they are not controlled by human hands alone. In the heart of Saudi Arabia, a desert city is emerging from the sands thanks to an army of construction robots. Neom is the gigantic and controversial project that makes the pyramids pale: a manifesto of how technology can shape our future, and a laboratory for urban solutions.
I had the opportunity to speak with several industry experts about Neom, and they all agree: this project represents much more than just a city in the desert. It is the symbol of Saudi Arabia's transformation from an oil-based economy to a major tourist destination, as it progressively reduces its use of fossil fuels in the coming years. Will this mammoth transition succeed?
Many “desert cities” in the project: one more daring than the other
During the interviews it emerged that the most significant projects under the Neom umbrella include The Line, the controversial linear megacity, and the twin skyscrapers epiconThe construction of these titanic works requires an impressive amount of materials and manpower. The announcement of the introduction of automated robotics It aims precisely to optimize both of these aspects.
Il Neom Investment Fund (NIF), the strategic investment arm of Neom, recently made a major investment in GMT Robotics, a European company. Ulrich Deichmann, CEO of GMT Robotics, enthusiastically explains:
Having worked in the exoskeleton industry in various forms for the past 30 years, it is truly exciting to reach a point where large-scale adoption of robotics and automation is occurring to improve the manufacturing process.
The focus on production
While specific details about the robots and their functions have not yet been revealed, it is clear that the production of rebar for reinforced concrete will be a focal point. This is not surprising, considering that Neom is currently using about 20% of the world's steel supply.
Deichmann highlighted the many benefits of applying robotics in the construction industry: increased efficiency of operations, reduced operating costs, improved health and safety, and optimized design flexibility. And on the employment level, also considering the controversy How is the project going? Let's move on to the backup question.
The news of the (partial) robotization of the workforce comes after Neom’s recent investment in cement production and the construction of a multi-plant factory. With the awarding of the 2034 FIFA World Cup to Saudi Arabia, we can expect construction in the region to increase further in the coming decade. The desert city is truly taking shape, and robots are at the forefront of this epochal transformation.