Latest news with #DubaiRoboticsandAutomationProgramme
Mid East Info
26-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Majid Al Futtaim & DFF Launch People-First Retail Robotics Pilot - Middle East Business News and Information
First-of-its-kind robotics pilot launches at City Centre Mirdif to reimagine how shoppers navigate malls. • Collaboration focuses on real-world feedback to ensure robots adapt to people – not the other way around. Dubai, May 2025: Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has partnered with Majid Al Futtaim, the leading retail, leisure, and lifestyle group in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration to explore the future of robotics in retail—starting not in labs, but in shopping malls with real shoppers. The partnership showcases a live pilot at City Centre Mirdif , featuring two avatar-style robots are assisting visitors in navigating the mall. This trial is part of a broader initiative aimed at understanding how robotics can enhance everyday experiences in shopping centres, hotels, and entertainment destinations – making them more intuitive, connected, and human. Khalifa Al Qama, Executive Director of Dubai Future Labs, said: 'This partnership with Majid Al Futtaim falls under the Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme, which was launched to drive the development, testing, and adoption of advanced technologies across Dubai's key sectors. By deploying robotics in high-traffic public spaces, we're reinforcing Dubai's position as a regional and global leader in building a future-ready city.' This pilot reflects Majid Al Futtaim's broader vision to reimagine the future of customer experience through responsible AI and emerging technology. Rather than showcasing innovation for its own sake, the focus is on using real-time feedback and live interactions to inform practical applications of robotics in retail. From wayfinding and accessibility to enhanced service response and operational efficiency, the City Centre Mirdif initiative marks the first phase of a multi-stage journey to scale people-first, AI-enabled solutions across Majid Al Futtaim's portfolio. It's one of several technology initiatives being implemented under the group's wider digital transformation strategy, all designed to deliver seamless, useful and memorable experiences. Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Managing Director of Majid Al Futtaim Shopping Malls in the UAE, added: 'We are proud to see City Centre Mirdif at the forefront of innovation with this unique robotics pilot in collaboration with Dubai Future Foundation. This is a natural next step in our journey to deliver smarter, more responsive retail environments that prioritise people. From wayfinding assistance to creating memorable experiences, we believe emerging technology – when used responsibly – can meaningfully elevate how customers engage with our destinations. This is only the beginning for us in this line of innovation.' The pilot is part of a large research collaboration between Dubai Future Labs (DFL) and Osaka University, under Japan's Moonshot Research and Development Programme – supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency. The programme aims to establish an 'Avatar-Symbiotic Society' by 2050, enabling people to transcend physical and spatial limitations through advanced robotics. In parallel, Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) DFF and Majid Al Futtaim are also addressing the legal, ethical, and societal implications from the outset, ensuring that the integration of technology is both responsible reflective of community needs and values. By bringing robotics into public life in a measured, human-centric way, this partnership represents a significant step toward making advanced technologies more accessible, meaningful, and trusted.
TECHx
26-05-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Majid Al Futtaim Tests Retail Robots with DFF
Home » Smart Sectors » Retail » Majid Al Futtaim Tests Retail Robots with DFF Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has announced a strategic partnership with Majid Al Futtaim. The collaboration explores the future of robotics in retail. This marks a first-of-its-kind trial, bringing robotics out of the lab and into real-world shopping environments. The live pilot is being conducted at City Centre Mirdif. Two avatar-style robots are currently assisting shoppers with navigation inside the mall. The initiative aims to understand how robotics can improve everyday experiences in shopping malls, hotels, and entertainment venues. It focuses on making these spaces more intuitive, connected, and human-centered. Khalifa Al Qama, Executive Director of Dubai Future Labs, revealed that the project falls under the Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme. This programme was launched to support the development and adoption of advanced technologies in Dubai's key sectors. By testing robotics in high-traffic areas, Dubai is reinforcing its global position as a future-ready city. Majid Al Futtaim reported that this pilot aligns with its long-term vision for enhancing customer experience using AI and new technologies. The focus is on responsible innovation, guided by real-time feedback and live interactions. The trial aims to deliver practical applications of robotics in retail operations. Key goals include: Improving wayfinding and accessibility Enhancing service efficiency and response time Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Managing Director of Majid Al Futtaim Shopping Malls in the UAE, expressed pride in the initiative. He stated that City Centre Mirdif is leading retail innovation through this unique pilot. He emphasized that this is just the beginning of a larger journey to develop people-first, AI-powered solutions across the group's assets. The pilot is also part of a broader research initiative with Osaka University. It is supported by Japan's Moonshot Research and Development Programme through the Japan Science and Technology Agency. The programme aims to build an 'Avatar-Symbiotic Society' by 2050. This vision includes enabling people to overcome physical and spatial limits using robotics. Meanwhile, DFF and Majid Al Futtaim are also studying the legal, ethical, and social implications of the technology. They are committed to ensuring that innovation aligns with community needs and values. By integrating robotics into public life, the partners aim to make advanced technology more accessible and trusted.
