KAUST Robotics Bay Inauguration

Overview

KAUST Robotics Bay

The KAUST Robotics Bay is a new, purpose-built facility that accelerates innovation in robotics, autonomous systems and intelligent machines. Led by the Robotics, Intelligent Systems and Control (RISC) Lab at the CEMSE Division, the 1,000-square-meter facility provides advanced infrastructure for designing, testing and deploying robotic technologies that address real-world challenges across multiple domains.

The Robotics Bay is designed to foster collaboration across academia and industry, serving as a hub where innovative ideas in robotics and AI translate into practical solutions. It enables high-impact experimentation, cross-disciplinary research, and partnerships that strengthen the Kingdom’s leadership in next-generation technologies.

Through this facility, KAUST aims to advance robotics that improve mobility, safety and efficiency across logistics, infrastructure, agriculture and marine sectors, while developing the talent powering Saudi Arabia’s innovation ecosystem.

Facility Features

The Robotics Bay offers cutting-edge capabilities for robotics design and testing, including:

• High-Bay Arena: A shared testing area (7m high, 50m long) for aerial and ground robots.
• Dedicated Research Spaces: Spaces tailored for specific projects in robotics and control systems.
• Motion Capture and Flight Zones: Facilities for drone and multi-agent system testing.
• Infrastructure for Complex Robotics: Including robotic manipulators, autonomous fleets, and underwater vehicles.
• Prototyping Equipment: 3D printers, CNC machines, and soldering stations for rapid iteration and innovation.

Inauguration Program

12 p.m. | Keynote Lecture
Speaker: Professor Fumin Zhang
Venue: Auditorium between Al Jazri Building (4) and Al Kindi Building (5)

1:15 p.m. | Networking Session
Venue: Robotics Bay

2 p.m. | Official Inauguration and Ribbon-Cutting
Led by Sir Edward Byrne AC, KAUST president
Venue: Robotics Bay, Al Kindi Building (5), Second Floor, Seaside