Several small enterprises in the UAE have demonstrated their ability to thrive in a business environment that fosters innovation and promotes digital transformation. Among these is “Robohitech,” founded by Emirati engineer Mohammed Al-Shamsi, with support from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development. The company has achieved an impressive compound annual growth rate of 25% over the past five years.
Al-Shamsi continues his successful journey, anticipating that by 2050, each individual in the UAE will have three robots at their service.
In an interview, Al-Shamsi shared, “Having my personal robot has been a dream since childhood. I believe that imagination can become reality.” He pursued this passion by enrolling at the Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai, where he established the first robotics club in the UAE while studying, participated in numerous international competitions, and won various awards.
In 2010, Al-Shamsi launched “Robohitech” from his home, benefiting from the support of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development through its “Start” program designed to assist small businesses.
The initial capital for this venture was modest, not exceeding 1,000 dirhams.
Since then, he transformed the concept from a simple individual idea into a specialized company that collaborates with educational institutions, government entities, and private companies, with backing from the Hamdan Center for Innovation and Creativity, an initiative of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment.
Al-Shamsi emphasizes that robots are manufactured in the UAE, adopting the slogan “Robots Made in the UAE.” Over more than a decade, “Robohitech” has successfully secured various contracts, consistently expanding project scope and client base.
This growth is attributed to the company’s ability to deliver tailored, flexible solutions, integrating artificial intelligence, the Robot Operating System (ROS), comprehensive mechanical and software design, remote control, and autonomous functionality.
The company has thus sustained annual growth, achieving a compound annual growth rate of 25% over the past five years.
Diverse Projects
Among the significant projects undertaken by the company is the conversion of a standard vehicle into a fully autonomous driving mode with no human intervention, in partnership with a Swiss entity, utilizing locally produced smart technologies. Currently, “Robohitech” operates across three primary sectors in the UAE:
1. **Educational Sector**: Providing educational robots, training content, and technological equipment to schools and universities.
2. **Government Sector**: Developing tailored robotic solutions for government entities, such as automated systems in facilities and robots for public interaction.
3. **Private Sector**: Collaborating with industrial and service companies to create prototypes or specialized technological solutions based on need, including storage, delivery, and smart cleaning robots.
Future Outlook
Mohammed Al-Shamsi envisions that by 2050, every person in the UAE will have three robots assisting them in their home, mobility, and work environments.
This vision extends beyond just mechanical robots; it includes intelligent software, with robots assigned to carry out hazardous and mundane tasks while humans focus on creative thinking and development.
This embodies the intelligent relationship between humans and technology.
At “Robohitech,” Al-Shamsi prioritizes training and employing young Emirati talents. The company offers hands-on training programs in robotics and programming, providing local innovators the opportunity to work in a technology-driven environment.
Government Support
The success of “Robohitech” serves as a tangible example of Dubai’s innovation policies, where government support, represented by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, has created an enabling environment for specialized projects in high-tech sectors, even with minimal initial investment.
The company also significantly benefits from access to government procurement platforms, participation in local and international exhibitions, and establishing broad networking opportunities with supporting entities and specialized companies. According to Al-Shamsi, the UAE has evolved from being merely a traditional business hub to a fertile ground for ventures leveraging diverse technologies like artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and robotic systems.