Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) and US start-up Gecko Robotics signed three deals to explore using robotics and artificial intelligence across the oil major's operations to boost efficiency and train UAE nationals.
The agreements cover a multi-year technology rollout for Adnoc Gas, joint training programmes with the Adnoc Technical Academy and the rollout of robotics and AI-powered analytics across Adnoc's assets to reduce downtime and support data-driven maintenance, the Abu Dhabi-based company said on Sunday.
"Adnoc is harnessing the power of AI and advanced technology to transform the way we work, driving greater efficiency, safety and performance across our operations," said Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Adnoc's managing director and group chief executive.
"These three agreements mark another step on our journey to becoming the world’s most AI-enabled energy company as we accelerate robotics deployment, empower local talent and strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for energy innovation.”
AIQ, Adnoc's joint venture with AI company Presight, signed the first of these agreements — a multi-year partnership with Gecko Robotics to introduce the Cantilever operating system across Adnoc Gas’ assets, marking AIQ’s entry into robotics.
Under a separate agreement, Adnoc and Gecko Robotics will explore the wider adoption of advanced robotics and AI-powered analytics, the potential manufacturing of robotic systems in the UAE, and the application of AI solutions to Adnoc's operational requirements.
The third agreement, with Gecko Robotics and the Adnoc Technical Academy, focuses on collaboration in training programmes.
“There is a race to lead the AI and energy moment. And the energy companies that win won’t just utilise technology; they will become technology companies," said Jake Loosararian, chief executive of Gecko Robotics.
"There is only one way to win this race, and that’s to acquire physical data using robotics and to unlock human and machine performance from the AI that data fuels."
One in five energy companies is now using agentic AI to automate complex decision-making, with applications of the technology in the sector increasing, a new report has found.
About 88 per cent of executives believe AI has a very positive effect on energy, and that their relationship is now "symbiotic", according to the Powering Possible report from Adnoc and Microsoft released last week.
The Adnoc and Gecko Robotics agreements were signed on Sunday at the Enact Majlis (Energy in Action) in Abu Dhabi. Under that umbrella, Adnoc, Masdar and XRG gathered more than 100 global leaders from the energy, technology, investment and government sectors. The majlis heard that electricity demand for data centres will quadruple by 2040, increasing from 105 to 450 gigawatts, with urgent action needed to meet demand across the energy mix.
The gathering took place ahead of Adipec, the world’s largest energy industry event, being held in Abu Dhabi from 3 to 6 November.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Libya's Gold
UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves.
The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.
Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do
Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.
“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”
Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.
Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.
“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”
For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.
“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”
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The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Global institutions: BlackRock and KKR
US-based BlackRock is the world's largest asset manager, with $5.98 trillion of assets under management as of the end of last year. The New York firm run by Larry Fink provides investment management services to institutional clients and retail investors including governments, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, banks and charitable foundations around the world, through a variety of investment vehicles.
KKR & Co, or Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, is a global private equity and investment firm with around $195 billion of assets as of the end of last year. The New York-based firm, founded by Henry Kravis and George Roberts, invests in multiple alternative asset classes through direct or fund-to-fund investments with a particular focus on infrastructure, technology, healthcare, real estate and energy.
Results
ATP Dubai Championships on Monday (x indicates seed):
First round
Roger Federer (SUI x2) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-4, 3-6, 6-1
Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Thomas Fabbiano (ITA) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
Marton Fucsovics (HUN) bt Damir Dzumhur (BIH) 6-1, 7-6 (7/5)
Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) bt Karen Khachanov (RUS x4) 6-4, 6-1
Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) bt Milos Raonic (CAN x7) 6-4, 5-7, 6-4
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
TV: World Cup Qualifier 2018 matches will be aired on on OSN Sports HD Cricket channel
