As the world accelerates towards an unprecedented technological revolution, Saudi Arabia stands at the forefront of embracing and driving these changes. The nation is witnessing a transformative era characterized by rapid advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovative technologies that are reshaping industries, economies, and societies. This is not just about adopting cutting-edge technologies but about integrating them into the very fabric of everyday life to improve efficiency, enhance quality of life, and drive economic diversification.
This transformative epoch is marked by collaboration between government entities, private companies, educational institutions, and international organizations, ensuring that Saudi Arabia keeps pace with global technological trends and sets new standards. One such company, QSS AI & Robotics, has placed Saudi Arabia on the map with its in-house robotic manufacturing capabilities. Spearheaded by the visionary Dr. Elie Metri, QSS is not just a company; it’s a movement aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. We sit with the CEO to gain insight into the future of technology in the here and now.
“We established QSS in Saudi Arabia because we deeply believe in the vision of Saudi Vision 2030. This vision isn’t just about technology; it’s about creating a vibrant, innovative future for our nation,” Dr. Metri emphasizes. Saudi Arabia’s strategic location, rich cultural heritage, and strong governmental support for tech advancements made it the perfect place for QSS to grow. The goal? To diversify the economy, improve the quality of life, and make Saudi Arabia a global leader in tech innovation.
Meet Sara, Mohamad and other bots
QSS has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technologies, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in robotics and AI. “At QSS, we’re ‘Building the Future,’” Dr. Metri proudly states, encapsulating the company’s ethos.
One of their most notable achievements is SARA, the first Saudi-made multilingual humanoid robot. “She’s was chosen to represent the Kingdom during the event in Paris, France, for the 2030 Expo bid, where she stood alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman” shares Dr. Metri. SARA’s influence has gone beyond Saudi Arabia, representing the nation at global events such as the AI for Good Summit in Switzerland and the WAICF event in Cannes.
Following SARA is MOHAMAD, the most advanced Saudi-made male humanoid robot. “MOHAMAD can interact naturally in Saudi dialect and other languages, making him incredibly useful in sectors like education and customer service,” explains Dr. Metri. His intuitive engagement capabilities make him a standout in robotics innovation. QSS’s Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and drones are also making significant impacts. “These versatile robots handle routine tasks, reducing human error and boosting efficiency,” notes Dr. Metri. The QSS Drones, the first autonomous drones made in Saudi Arabia, excel in surveillance, agriculture, deliveries, industrial inspections, and disaster management.
Paving the Way for Better Living
The technologies developed by QSS are designed to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. “AI and robotics are game-changers for everyday life. They take over repetitive tasks, making things more efficient and solving everyday problems with advanced solutions,” Dr. Metri asserts.
For instance, QSS’s AMRs and robotic arms are transforming industrial operations, enhancing productivity, and reducing costs. Their AI- driven solutions enhance security at large events, optimize traffic flow, and improve emergency response times. In disaster management, their technologies are critical in search and rescue operations, delivering supplies, and ensuring safety.
QSS also contributes significantly to environmental protection. Their tower-cleaning drones maintain high-rise structures efficiently, reducing the need for hazardous manual labor and minimizing environmental impact. “These drones use less water and energy compared to traditional cleaning methods, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly solutions,” says Dr. Metri.
Understanding and integrating cultural values is a cornerstone of QSS’s approach. “Our Saudi-made robots, Sara and Mohamad, interact naturally in the Saudi dialect and respect local customs, enhancing user experience and trust,” explains Dr. Metri.
This cultural sensitivity ensures that their products resonate deeply with the community. QSS supports Saudi Vision 2030 by driving technological advancement, creating high-tech jobs, and fostering economic diversification. Their comprehensive training programs in AI and robotics equip students with the skills needed for future careers, aligning perfectly with the Kingdom’s innovation goals.
The Future of AI and Robotics
The next decade promises remarkable advancements in AI and robotics, especially within Saudi Arabia. Dr. Metri is excited about the seamless integration of these technologies across various sectors, transforming cities and industries into smarter, more efficient versions of themselves. “This AI-driven automation will not only enhance efficiency and minimize human error but also optimize resource management, helping us achieve the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030,” he envisions.
By 2040, Dr. Metri sees a future where AI and robotics are integral parts of daily life in Saudi Arabia. “I envision smart cities thriving, with AI managing everything from traffic flow to energy consumption, creating more efficient and sustainable urban environments,” he says. Healthcare will be revolutionized with AI-driven diagnostics and robotic assistance, ensuring timely and accurate medical care. Education will become personalized and immersive, using AI to tailor learning experiences to individual needs.
It’s no secret that ethical considerations and questions are floating in the discussions surrounding the use of these new technologies. From an organizational standpoint, QSS is deeply committed to the responsible development and deployment of its technologies.
“I believe in the importance of actively engaging with policymakers, educators, and the public to ensure this responsibility,” Dr. Metri emphasizes. By collaborating with organizations like the UN’s AI for Good initiative, QSS ensures that their practices align with global ethical standards. Partnerships are key to QSS’s success.
Collaborations with the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA), the Digital Government Authority (DGA), and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) help advance AI and robotics in Saudi Arabia. These partnerships drive innovation and economic diversification, which are essential for the Kingdom’s growth.
Dr. Elie Metri and QSS are shaping the future of technology in Saudi Arabia, driving societal progress and improving the quality of life through innovative AI and robotics solutions. Their commitment to cultural integration, ethical development, and continuous innovation positions the Kingdom as a leader in the global tech landscape. As Dr. Metri aptly puts it:
“By 2040, Saudi Arabia will be a global leader in technology and innovation, with AI and robotics driving societal progress and improving the quality of life for everyone.”
