ADNOC aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce equipment downtime and support maintenance using AI-powered analytics.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has signed three agreements with US-based Gecko Robotics to extend the use of robotics and AI across ADNOC’s operations and to expand training for United Arab Emirates (UAE) nationals. 

The agreements, signed at the ENACT Majlis event in Abu Dhabi, UAE, include a multi-year technology deployment for ADNOC Gas. 

Gecko Robotics will work together with ADNOC Technical Academy (ATA) on training programmes. 

The partners will also launch a programme to explore broader deployment of robotics and AI analytics across ADNOC assets. 

ADNOC managing director and group CEO Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said: “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. 

“These three agreements mark another stop 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 Presight, will implement Gecko Robotics’ Cantilever operating system across ADNOC Gas’ facilities under the multi-year agreement. It represents AIQ’s first robotics deployment. 

A separate memorandum of understanding between ADNOC and Gecko Robotics will examine the wider use of advanced robotics and AI-powered analytics. 

It will also explore the potential manufacturing of robotic systems in the UAE and the deployment of AI solutions tailored to ADNOC’s operational needs. 

The ATA agreement will focus on joint training programmes to develop UAE national talent in robotics and associated technical skills. 

ADNOC said the agreements aim to improve operational efficiency, reduce equipment downtime and support maintenance through AI-powered analytics. 

Gecko Robotics CEO Jake Loosararian said: “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. 

“There is only one way to win this race, and that is to acquire physical data using robotics and unlocking human and machine performance from the AI that data fuels. 

“Few understand this secret, but one leader seems to see it before the rest, and his name is Dr Sultan Al Jaber.” 

Separately, ADNOC signed an agreement with Masdar, XRG and Microsoft at the same event to accelerate AI deployment across its value chain and develop energy solutions for Microsoft’s global AI and data centre expansion. 

Under that agreement, ADNOC and Microsoft will co-develop and deploy AI agents intended to drive efficiency and reduce emissions. 

The collaboration with Masdar and XRG will target next-generation energy and infrastructure options to support Microsoft’s data centre growth.