NEOM Investment Fund Ventures into Automated Robotic Technology for Construction Projects

The agreement aims to accelerate the delivery of the region’s expansive capital project program through the use of construction robotics - SPA
The agreement aims to accelerate the delivery of the region’s expansive capital project program through the use of construction robotics - SPA
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NEOM Investment Fund Ventures into Automated Robotic Technology for Construction Projects

The agreement aims to accelerate the delivery of the region’s expansive capital project program through the use of construction robotics - SPA
The agreement aims to accelerate the delivery of the region’s expansive capital project program through the use of construction robotics - SPA

NEOM has signed a landmark investment agreement with GMT Robotics, one of Europe’s emerging innovators in advanced construction technology.
Spearheaded by the NEOM Investment Fund (NIF), NEOM’s strategic investment arm, the agreement aims to accelerate the delivery of the region’s expansive capital project program through the use of construction robotics. The initiative underscores NEOM’s position as a pioneer in modern construction techniques, including automation, SPA reported.
NEOM Investment Fund CEO Majid Mufti commented that “our investment in GMT Robotics reflects NEOM’s commitment to driving transformative technologies that will unlock next-generation industries. By localizing this advanced technology, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable development, high-skilled jobs, and the growth of commercially viable sectors. It is through partnerships like these that NIF will turn visionary goals into reality and establish NEOM as a global hub for innovation.”
Bandar Ashrour, Sector Head of Design and Construction at NEOM, emphasized the importance of the collaboration by saying: “Enabling construction technology start-ups to align with NEOM’s ambitions is fundamental to what we do. GMT’s agility and expertise in harnessing robotics for construction bring unparalleled efficiency, consistency, and sustainability. We look forward to a dynamic collaboration that paves the way for a safer and more sustainable next generation of NEOM-built assets.”
GMT Robotics, based in Copenhagen, specializes in robotic technology tailored specifically to the rebar market. The company’s robotic rebar cage assembly and handling systems deliver significant advancements in efficiency and workplace safety for the construction industry. By reducing onsite workforce requirements by an average of 90% through offsite prefabrication, GMT Robotics enhances productivity while maintaining high safety standards.
The partnership will localize this technology, with rebar cages produced in NEOM-based factories. It also opens new opportunities for Saudi engineers to leverage robotics in other construction applications.
With the global construction robotics market valued at $168.2 million in 2022 and expected to reach $774.6 million by 2032—a growth of over 360% in 10 years—the benefits of robotics applications within the construction sector are extensive. These include enhanced task efficiency, reduced operating costs, improved health and safety, and greater design flexibility.
The partnership marks another milestone in NIF’s series of strategic investments. It reflects the Fund’s commitment to supporting NEOM’s sector strategy by enabling innovative technologies, establishing new businesses, and creating job opportunities to support NEOM’s growing economy.



Venezuela's Top Court Issues a $10 Million Fine for TikTok over Allegedly Deadly Video Challenges

The TikTok logo is pictured outside the company's US head office in Culver City, California, US, September 15, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake
The TikTok logo is pictured outside the company's US head office in Culver City, California, US, September 15, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake
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Venezuela's Top Court Issues a $10 Million Fine for TikTok over Allegedly Deadly Video Challenges

The TikTok logo is pictured outside the company's US head office in Culver City, California, US, September 15, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake
The TikTok logo is pictured outside the company's US head office in Culver City, California, US, September 15, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Venezuela’s Supreme Court on Monday issued a $10 million fine against TikTok for “not implementing measures” to prevent viral video challenges that have allegedly led to the deaths of three Venezuelan children recently.

Judge Tania D’Amelio said TikTok had acted in a negligent manner and gave it eight days to pay the fine, while also ordering the video service company to open an office in Venezuela that would supervise content so that it complies with local laws.

The judge did not explain how Venezuela would force TikTok, whose parent company is based in China, to pay the fine. Venezuela has blocked dozens of websites in previous years for not complying with regulations set by its telecommunications commission.

TikTok did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.

In November, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro blamed TikTok for the death of a 12-year-old girl who allegedly died after participating in a TikTok challenge that involved taking tranquilizer pills and not falling asleep.

Venezuela’s Education Minister Hector Rodriguez also said last month that a 14-year-old died after taking part in a TikTok challenge that involved sniffing substances. And on Nov. 21, Venezuela’s attorney general blamed video challenges on TikTok for the death of a third child.

Dozens of radio stations and television channels have been taken off the air in Venezuela under Maduro over their news coverage. More than 60 websites belonging to human rights groups and news companies were blocked at different times this year, according to VE Sin Filtro, a group that tracks media freedoms in the South American country.

In August, Venezuela banned the social media platform X as thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets t o protest the re-election of Maduro.

The Venezuelan government initially banned X for 10 days, after Maduro accused its owner Elon Musk of using the social media platform to “orchestrate attacks against Venezuela.” Musk had accused Maduro of rigging the July 28 election, which the United Nations and the Carter Center, an organization that monitors elections around the world, said did not meet international standards.

X can now be accessed on privately run internet providers in Venezuela, but it is still blocked by Venezuela’s state owned internet provider Movilnet.