05 May 2020

, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi Airports has partnered with Tawazun Strategic Development Fund (TSDF) to launch the new CoDi BOT UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle), designed and manufactured by UAE-based company Marakeb Technologies, an affiliate company of TSDF, for the disinfection of viruses including COVID-19.

In response to increasing demand for remote offshore services, Fugro has completed the Middle East’s first fully autonomous geophysical shallow-water route survey.
Controlled from their remote operations centre in Abu Dhabi, an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) captured a full range of geophysical data across a survey area some 40 km out from the coast of Abu Dhabi to support a client’s critical project entirely remotely.

The results of the fully autonomous geophysical shallow-water route survey comprised conductivity, temperature, depth and salinity (CTDS) profiles, bathymetry data, seabed imaging, sub-bottom profiles, and ferrous object detection such as pipes etc. The efficiency gains and material reductions from using Fugro’s remote and autonomous solution, rather than a conventionally mobilised and crewed survey, included reduced HSSE exposure and significant client cost savings. Fugro’s USVs also have a much lower carbon footprint than a regular survey vessels.

“Witnessing this ambitious concept transformed into reality is a landmark moment in the Middle East that has resulted in the successful delivery of a critical seabed characterisation report based solely on our autonomously acquired Geo-data,” said Gerard Ferreira, Fugro’s Service Line Director for Marine Geophysics in the Middle East.

Developing technology to safeguard assets is ‘imperative’ particularly during the pandemic, DP World UAE’s chief executive said.

World Security, a DP World subsidiary, is introducing autonomous boats to surveil and secure UAE ports, including the Middle East’s biggest transshipment hub, as supply chains are tested amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s imperative that we develop the next generation of innovative technology at this time of increased need to safeguard national industrial and infrastructure assets in response to the crisis set off by the pandemic,” Mohammed Al Muallem, chief executive and managing director of DP World UAE, said on Monday.

The boats, developed by World Security, will patrol the waters of DP World’s Jebel Ali Port, Mina Rashid, Mina Al Hamriya and other facilities in the UAE.

“Deploying the state-of-the-art fully autonomous surveillance boat adds another layer of safety and protection for our ports and terminals, which play an important role in the global supply chain,” Mr Al Muallem said.

The fully autonomous surveillance boats can be remotely controlled and patrol day or night with real-time communication to a control centre. The new boats will provide operational savings in the long-term, he said.

Social distancing measures and shutdowns have accelerated interest in autonomous capabilities across industries, but a global recession triggered by the pandemic is expected to hamper investment. Industrial robotics is expected to grow 10.4 per cent between 2020 and 2025, down by 3 per cent compared to a pre-Covid-19 forecast by Research and Markets.

Jebel Ali, the region’s biggest intermediate trade hub, is increasingly operated through autonomous and remote technology, with remotely operated quay cranes and automated gantry cranes and gates. The autonomous security boats add another layer of technology to the port.

“We see World Security growing with Dubai’s transformation into a Smart City and implementing smart security solutions is integral to our security operations as we go forward,” Mr Al Muallem said.

World Security operates an undisclosed number of boats to provide security at waterfront assets that include seaports, marinas and other maritime facilities in Dubai. Its customers includes critical utility infrastructure facilities, office buildings and real estate landmarks.

UAE-based Marakeb Technologies and KSA-based Prince Sultan Defense Studies & Research Center (PSDSARC), have signed a collaboration agreement for the development of unmanned vehicles in the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) region, to serve the Armed & Security Forces of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The signing signifies the unity between the two countries in expanding their technological capabilities to cater to the growing trends in the unmanned industry.

PSDSARC continues to integrate leading technologies in service and benefit of the Saudi Vision 2030 to build a local defense industry catering, primarily, to the KSA Armed Forces. Their advanced research and development of operationally enhancing products in radar technology, electronic warfare, electro-optics, communications and other related technologies complements their aim to develop unparalleled unmanned platforms in the Kingdom.

Marakeb Technologies is a leading autonomous systems provider manufacturer that provides unmanned capabilities to any aerial, ground, and marine platform through the integration of its patented modular MAP Pro technology. Marakeb’s continued success in delivering international projects for air, land, and sea reaffirms their commitment to highlight the UAE as a global leader in the field of autonomy.

The integration of the MAP Pro into the current aerial and marine platforms developed by PSDSARC enables both entities to deliver a unique fleet of UAVs and USVs to the market in the interim and to build a localised defence industry in the Kingdom through the joint-development of new unmanned platforms in the future.

Basel Shuhaiber, Chief Executive Officer of Marakeb Technologies: “The GCC region has one of the fastest growing defense industries in the world. Our aim is to continue to develop regional partnerships with industry-leading entities like PSDSARC to capitalize on this trend, particularly in the unmanned industry.”

Dr Sami Alhumaidi, The Director General of PSDSARC, commented: “Through the kingdoms’ vision 2030, PSDSARC is actively supporting defense industry to expand its products offerings through new and innovative solutions. PSDSARC proud to expand its collaborations into the UAE through the partnership with Marakeb.”

Leading shipbuilder Fincantieri has inked a Memorandum of Understanding with UAE based Marakeb Technologies  to explore global collaboration opportunities in the field of autonomous technology at the ongoing 2020 Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX 2020) being held in Abu Dhabi.

The agreement was signed by Basel Shuhaiber, Chief Executive Officer of Marakeb Technologies, and Giuseppe Giordo, General Manager of Fincantieri Naval Business at UMEX 2020.

“This agreement strengthens our group in many respects. Indeed, together with Marakeb Technologies, not only will our positioning in the area be enhanced by a top-level partnership, but it will also give us the chance of exploring new opportunities. From an innovation standpoint, this agreement will also allow us to kick-start the development of cutting-edge solutions,” said Giuseppe Giordo.

The MoU will lead to the cross-evaluation of Fincantieri’s current automation solutions and Marakeb Technologies’ patented unmanned technology and both companies will jointly develop applications on various vessel types in Fincantieri’s portfolio.

Basel Shuhaiber said: “Marakeb Technologies aims to expand its capabilities in the field of autonomy through a strategic partnership with Fincantieri. Our collective strengths in the integration of unmanned technologies will enable us to create unique opportunities in the UAE and abroad”.

The global partnership aspires to establish future commercial opportunities in regional and international markets.

La capacità di costruire navi di Fincantieri e l’automazione di Marakeb Technologies, azienda degli Emirati Arabi leader del settore, per arrivare a realizzare delle navi che non richiedono il pilota e si governano da sole. Marakeb Technologies, provider di soluzioni di automazione e Fincantieri, uno dei più grandi gruppi navalmeccanici al mondo, hanno infatti firmato un memorandum per esplorare opportunità di collaborazione nel campo dell’automazione a livello globale.

L’accordo è stato siglato da Basel Shuhaiber, amministratore delegato di Marakeb Technologies, e Giuseppe Giordo, direttore generale della divisione Navi Militari di Fincantieri, nel corso della fiera Unmanned Systems in corso ad Abu Dhabi.

Grazie a questa intesa, le due aziende vogliono avviare una valutazione incrociata delle attuali soluzioni di automazione adottate da Fincantieri e di quelle brevettate da Marakeb Technologies, per esplorare la possibilità di sviluppo congiunto di applicazioni sui diversi tipi di nave del portafoglio prodotti di Fincantieri.

La partnership ambisce a stabilire future opportunità commerciali nei mercati dell’area e in quelli internazionali, attraverso l’unione della comprovata reputazione di Marakeb nel Middle East e nel Nord Africa, e il forte interesse di Fincantieri per l’integrazione delle nuove tecnologie e la sua espansione su scala globale.

“Marakeb Technologies mira ad espandere le sue capacità – sottolinea Basel Shuhaiber, Ceo di Marakeb Technologies – nel campo dell’automazione attraverso una partnership strategica con Fincantieri. I nostri punti di forza comuni nell’integrazione di tecnologie senza pilota, ci consentiranno di creare opportunità uniche negli Emirati Arabi Uniti e all’estero“.

“Un simile accordo – commenta Giuseppe Giordo, direttore generale divisione Navi Militari di Fincantieri – ci rafforza sotto molteplici aspetti. Infatti, insieme a Marakeb Technologies, il nostro posizionamento nell’area si arricchisce di un partner di primo livello, aprendo la possibilità di esplorare nuove opportunità. Anche dal punto di vista dell’innovazione contiamo, con questa intesa, di dare un impulso importante per lo sviluppo di soluzioni all’avanguardia“.

Marakeb Technologies progetta e produce prodotti tecnologici, che vanno dai sistemi di automazione avanzati alle stazioni di controllo a terra per applicazioni militari e industriali. Con l’integrazione della propria tecnologia brevettata e collaudata MAP Pro, Marakeb Technologies può convertire qualsiasi veicolo aereo, terrestre e marittimo da presidiato a non presidiato, fornendo agli operatori la possibilità di monitorare e controllare il veicolo autonomo da qualsiasi luogo a terra e in mare. Tawazun Economic Council, l’ente preposto ad attivare gli investimenti della Difesa degli Emirati Arabi Uniti, possiede una quota del 30% dell’azienda.

UAE-based Marakeb Technologies, a leading autonomous technology provider, is showcasing its patented unmanned technology and modular integration into aerial, ground, and marine vehicles at the Unmanned Systems Exhibition & Conference (UMEX) in Abu Dhabi.

UMEX, the largest unmanned systems event in the Mena region – serves as the ideal platform to showcase industry-leading unmanned technologies and innovations and accelerates regional and international partnerships in a rapidly-changing world.

The flagship event connects regional government delegations, agencies, industry, military, and civilian authorities to promote the defence, environmental, civil, and humanitarian benefits of unmanned systems.

Marakeb Technologies continues to push the limits of its patented MAP Pro technology by expanding its unmanned conversion capabilities beyond marine vessels to ground and aerial vehicles. These capabilities are on full display at the event with the unveiling of three new unmanned vehicles catering to air, land, and sea.

The common denominator between all three vehicles is the core of the autonomous conversion kit – the MAP Pro – which can convert any aerial, ground, and marine vehicle from manned to unmanned. The modular nature of its technology enables clients from distinct sectors to utilize their current assets for conversion, rather than purchasing full turnkey solutions. Marakeb has delivered unmanned vehicles to the petroleum, port security, military, and civil defence industries.

Basel Shuhaiber, CEO of Marakeb Technologies said: “The integration of unmanned technology is disrupting the traditional operations of many sectors at a rapid pace. Our aim is to strengthen the UAE’s global positioning in the field of autonomy by developing long-term partnerships with regional and international leaders of industry in all three phases – air, land, and sea.”

UMEX is taking place from February 23 to 25 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. – TradeArabia News Service