UAE Boosts Public Services With Robots

In the UAE, the integration of robots into public life is on the rise, with a push from government entities and companies to leverage robotics and artificial intelligence for enhanced service efficiency and business development across all sectors.

Robots have become a common sight in public places, government and private entities, and institutions, functioning as official employees capable of efficiently meeting requirements and executing transactions with ease, speed, and exceptional accuracy.

The Ministry of Finance recently announced a significant milestone, utilizing Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to provide 39,000 human work hours, processing over 1.8 million transactions with an accuracy exceeding 98 percent. This has led to substantial improvements in productivity and efficiency, aligning with the UAE’s vision of becoming the world’s leading country by its centenary in 2071.

The ministry has successfully completed the second phase of its internal transformation journey towards RPA, incorporating robots, including chatbots, on its digital procurement platform. This implementation has drastically accelerated processes, fostering increased competition among smaller companies for government contracts.

The trend of employing robots is expanding in the public sector, with entities like the Emirates Health Services Foundation introducing a “blood drawing robot” in healthcare facilities. This innovative technology is set to save time for staff and patients while setting new standards for healthcare automation.

Recognizing the global demand for robotics expertise, the Mohamed bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has established two new departments dedicated to robotics and computer science, aiming to nurture the next generation of AI and robotics leaders.

Dubai’s role as a tech hub was solidified with the opening of UiPath’s regional headquarters in March 2023, showcasing the country’s position as a global innovation hub.

The use of robots extends beyond healthcare and academia, reaching educational consulting, broadcasting, surgery, pharmacy services, customer service, and even maritime rescue operations. Success stories, such as Dr. Ali Al Belooshi’s world record in robotic-assisted surgeries, underscore the transformative potential of robotics across various sectors.

Law enforcement in the UAE has embraced robotic innovation, with intelligent robots being deployed for traffic awareness initiatives and even participating in events to educate the public. The media landscape has witnessed a shift with the introduction of AI-powered news anchors, reshaping the future of news consumption in the region.

Innovations like the robotic lifeguard, automated robot chemist, and Pixie Drone for marine waste collection showcase the diverse applications of robotics in safeguarding lives, ensuring quality, and addressing environmental challenges. The integration of robots into customer service departments and cleaning duties further emphasizes the UAE’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology for the benefit of its citizens.