British Startup Revamps Robot Landscape in Saudi Arabia

The British robotics startup Humanoid has officially entered the race to create humanoid robots by unveiling its first prototype – the HMND 01 Alpha. On social media, the company made a bold statement claiming that the industrial robot was built in just seven months, marking the fastest development cycle in history. Now, Humanoid has opened the first specialized humanoid robot showroom in the Middle East. This launch, conducted jointly with the local major company QSS AI & Robotics, signals a shift in the young company’s strategy: moving from pilot projects in Germany to a noticeable presence in retail and distribution in Saudi Arabia.

The new facility, dubbed the Humanoid Lounge, opened on November 25. The physical space is of secondary importance compared to the impressive figures associated with the partnership: the companies have agreed on a framework for a pre-order of 10,000 units over the next five years. If a project of this magnitude is realized, it will become one of the largest in the nascent humanoid robot sector.

Recent forecasts suggest that the industrial robotics market in Saudi Arabia is expected to grow from $178.2 million in 2024 to a staggering $563.4 million by 2033, indicating a promising future for companies like Humanoid looking to capitalize on this burgeoning market.