A New Phase in Saudi Arabia’s Robotics Journey
Saudi Arabia has taken a major step toward becoming a global leader in robotics with the launch of a dedicated humanoid robot showroom in Riyadh. The new showroom marks an important milestone for the country as it accelerates investments in automation, artificial intelligence and advanced technology to strengthen its economic future. This initiative comes at a time when the Kingdom is expanding its industrial capabilities and preparing for large-scale adoption of robotics across multiple sectors.
The showroom is the result of a collaboration between Humanoid, a UK-based robotics company, and QSS AI & Robotics, a Saudi firm focused on developing and manufacturing robotics systems locally. Together, they have established a space that allows visitors to experience leading-edge humanoid robots firsthand and understand the potential applications of these machines in the workplace and everyday life.
Located at the QSS headquarters, the facility aims to educate, inspire and introduce the public to the next generation of smart robotics. It also demonstrates the Kingdom’s readiness to embrace emerging technologies and scale them efficiently.
Inside the Humanoid Lounge
The new space has been named the Humanoid Lounge, and it has been designed as an interactive experience rather than a standard showroom. Visitors can watch live demonstrations, join educational workshops and engage directly with the robots in real time. This setup allows people to see how humanoid robots understand commands, perform tasks and communicate with humans.
One of the main attractions inside the Humanoid Lounge is the HMND 01 Alpha Wheeled robot, the first industrial humanoid robot of its kind built in the United Kingdom. During the showroom opening, the robot demonstrated its abilities through teleoperation, task simulations and interactive responses. A special feature allowed attendees to speak directly to the robot, giving them a sense of how advanced conversational AI has become.
The HMND 01 Alpha Wheeled robot was developed by Humanoid in just seven months, highlighting the company’s focus on rapid innovation and efficient engineering. Its advanced capabilities offer a glimpse into how humanoid robots may soon assist in real-world environments.
One of the Largest Humanoid Rollouts in the Middle East
A significant part of the partnership between Humanoid and QSS is their commitment to deploying up to 10,000 humanoid robots across Saudi Arabia over the next five years. This pre-order framework marks one of the most ambitious humanoid robotics initiatives in the Middle East.
The scale of this rollout indicates a strong national commitment to integrating robots into core industries. It also highlights Saudi Arabia’s plan to build a sustainable robotics ecosystem that includes research, assembly, deployment and maintenance all within the country.
Local manufacturing is a key element of this strategy. QSS will oversee the assembly process at the Riyadh Robotics Factory, an advanced facility designed to speed up production and make large-scale deployment possible. This approach supports Saudi Arabia’s long-term goal of developing homegrown technological capabilities and reducing dependence on external imports.
Industries Set to Benefit from Humanoid Adoption
The introduction of humanoid robots is expected to impact several sectors across Saudi Arabia. These robots are built to work alongside humans, enhance efficiency and take on tasks that are repetitive or physically demanding.
Manufacturing
Humanoid robots can support assembly lines, handle materials and carry out precision-based tasks. Their ability to work continuously with consistent accuracy means factories can improve productivity while reducing operational disruptions.
Logistics
Distribution centers and warehouses can benefit from robots that are able to lift, sort and transport goods. These capabilities help streamline supply chain operations, reduce worker fatigue and improve overall speed in high-demand environments.
Energy Sector
Saudi Arabia’s energy industry has many critical tasks that involve risk. Humanoid robots can assist with inspections, safety checks and maintenance operations, reducing exposure to hazardous situations for human workers.
Retail and Customer Service
In the retail sector, humanoid robots can support customer-facing roles such as information assistance, product guidance and basic service requests. They can also help with stocking, inventory scanning and back-end logistics.
Public Infrastructure
Robots may soon assist in locations such as airports, transport hubs and government buildings. Their ability to communicate clearly and respond to questions makes them useful for guiding visitors and providing multilingual support.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
The launch of the humanoid robot showroom aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy. One of the key pillars of this national framework is the development of a digitally advanced, diversified economy capable of competing on a global scale.
Automation and robotics are central to this transformation. By investing in humanoid technology, Saudi Arabia is preparing its industries for the future while also creating opportunities for new careers in engineering, AI, robot maintenance and system integration.
The partnership between Humanoid and QSS not only brings cutting-edge technology to the Kingdom but also helps build a local workforce skilled in robotics. This strengthens the broader goal of reducing reliance on oil and shifting towards knowledge-based industries.
Leaders’ Perspectives on the Partnership
During the launch event, company leaders spoke about the importance of the new showroom and the long-term partnership.
Artem Sokolov, founder and CEO of Humanoid, said that Saudi Arabia is moving faster than many other regions when it comes to adopting humanoid robotics for industrial use. He described the showroom as a gateway that allows businesses to understand the practical benefits of robotics and gain confidence in scaling automation.
He explained that the partnership aims to convert advanced engineering into real impact across key sectors. Their goal is to ensure that companies in Saudi Arabia can integrate humanoid robots smoothly and safely.
Dr. Elie Metri, CEO of QSS, emphasized that this collaboration marks a major milestone for Saudi Arabia’s robotics industry. By combining Humanoid’s global expertise with QSS’s local capabilities, the partnership sets the foundation for widespread robot deployment in the Kingdom. He also mentioned that this initiative aligns closely with the goals of Vision 2030 and will help establish Saudi Arabia as a regional center for advanced robotics.
A Place for Learning and Public Engagement
Aside from demonstrations, the Humanoid Lounge serves as an educational platform. Students, professionals and technology enthusiasts can participate in workshop sessions designed to explain how robots function, how they are programmed and how their AI systems allow them to interact with people.
These workshops play an important role in inspiring younger generations to enter fields such as robotics, engineering and computer science. They also help local businesses understand how humanoid robots can be adapted to different industries.
By opening the showroom to the public, QSS and Humanoid aim to build awareness and trust around robotics. This helps prepare society for a future in which humans and robots work closely together.
The Future of Human-Robot Collaboration
Humanoid robots are increasingly being designed to work alongside humans rather than replace them. They can perform physically demanding or repetitive tasks, allowing people to focus on creative, supervisory or strategic roles. As their cognitive and physical abilities grow, robots will play a more significant role in workplaces, helping industries achieve safer operations and higher productivity.
Saudi Arabia’s decision to adopt robotics at scale will also create new job opportunities. The country will require professionals who can program, repair and manage robots in various environments. This transition is expected to support the development of a more technologically skilled workforce.
Looking Ahead
The opening of the humanoid robot showroom in Riyadh represents more than a technological milestone. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s determination to lead in the field of robotics and create new possibilities for innovation, economic growth and industrial transformation.
With the planned deployment of up to 10,000 humanoid robots, the Kingdom is preparing for one of the largest rollouts of its kind in the region. This initiative will help shape the future of automation, empower local industries and position Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for advanced robotics development.
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