US robot maker in talks over Abu Dhabi factory

Supplied/Gecko Robotics

• Gecko Robotics plans Abu Dhabi factory
• Mena revenues up 200%
• Aims to treble staff to 300

Gecko Robotics, a US maker of robots that inspect the infrastructure of buidings, vehicles and other physical assets, is in talks to open a factory in Abu Dhabi.

The company has also raised $100 million as part of a Series C funding round.

Gecko, which uses AI-powered software and advanced robotics, set up its international headquarters in Abu Dhabi in October last year as part of the Ministry of Economy’s NextGen FDI programme, which aims to attract 300 digital companies to the country.

Jake Loosararian, co-founder and CEO of Gecko Robotics, told AGBI the company has experienced a 200 percent increase in revenue in the region, with plans to treble headcount to more than 300 by 2030.

• 11 ways robots are transforming the UAE
• Dubai aims to create $9.5bn robotics industry
• UAE’s Edge buys majority stake in Jordan robotics firm

Discussions are at an “advanced stage” to finalise a manufacturing facility at Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi, he confirmed, adding. “The adoption of technology in the region is just incredible.”

Creative Commons/World Economic Forum/Greg Beadle

The Pittsburgh-based company’s robots use sensor payloads to detect otherwise invisible damage, allowing for precision repairs and predictive maintenance. Clients include oil and gas companies, paper mills and the US Navy.

The NextGen FDI initiative was launched in July 2022 to attract digital businesses from all over the world, offering a package of incentives.

These include flexible incorporation processes, fast-track licensing, bulk visa issuances, banking facilitation and commercial and residential lease incentives.

“The customers and partnerships we’ve built in the past year have made the decision to double down on the UAE easy,” said Justin Cleveland, managing director of Gecko Middle East and North Africa.