The future is unfolding in Northwest Saudi Arabia, where the $1.5 trillion Neom megaproject is revolutionizing construction through automated robotic technology. In a pioneering partnership with GMT Robotics, Neom, spanning 26,500 square kilometers, or about 10,230 square miles, is poised to redefine modern construction techniques, showcasing the visionary leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This ambitious initiative will see a futuristic city materialize using avant-garde methods.
Neom’s construction will leverage robotic systems specifically designed for the rebar market, including advanced rebar cage assembly and handling systems. These innovations promise to enhance productivity, improve safety standards, and reduce the need for an on-site workforce by up to 90% through offsite prefabrication. This streamlined approach amplifies efficiency while maintaining exceptional safety and quality standards.
Crucially, this technology will be localized within Neom, with rebar cages manufactured in local factories. This not only creates opportunities for Saudi engineers to integrate robotics into broader construction sectors but also fosters high-skilled jobs and localized expertise. Bandar Ashrour, sector head of design and construction at Neom, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Aligning construction technology startups with Neom’s ambitious goals is essential to our strategy. GMT’s expertise in robotics offers unprecedented efficiency, consistency, and sustainability in construction. We look forward to a dynamic collaboration that will contribute to safer, more sustainable infrastructure and enhance the next generation of Neom-built assets.”
As the world’s largest construction site, Neom is laying the foundation for sustainable development, innovation, and the growth of commercially viable industries. The global construction robotics market, valued at $168.2 million in 2022, is projected to reach $774.6 million by 2032. Saudi Arabia, already consuming 20% of the world’s steel, is set to play a pivotal role in driving these statistics forward. Spanning an area 24 times that of Hong Kong, Neom is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating a groundbreaking giga-project that redefines the future of urban living.
