How vocational training programmes can bridge the skill gap in robotics in the Middle East

May 01st, 2023

As the adoption of automation and robotics continues globally at a fast pace, the Middle East is also seeing some significant changes. Saudi Arabia recently announced its ambitious goal of tripling the number of factories to 36,000 by 2035, with upto 4,000 of these incorporating cutting-edge robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. Similarly, Dubai launched its Robotics and Automation Programme in September 2022. It plans to deploy 200,000 robots within the next ten years across various industries, including logistics and precision manufacturing, to enhance productivity and efficiency.

The increasing adoption of robotics and AI technology in the Middle East is expected to create a surge in demand for skilled professionals in the field. The push towards automation and robotics in manufacturing and other industries will require a workforce with specialised skills to design, program and maintain the technology. According to a study by McKinsey, the pace of automation in the Middle East is expected to grow rapidly, potentially resulting in the automation of 45 percent of the current workforce by 2023. In addition to that, the study has also found that activities that are already automatable today could potentially generate $366.6 billion in wage income and employ 20.8 million full-time employees (FTEs) across the six Middle Eastern countries – Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE – that were part of the study. Meanwhile, countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE are projected to adopt automation at a higher rate than the projected global average of 32 percent by 2030.

The growing need for professionals with expertise in robotics and automation has created a skill gap in these areas in the region, and vocational training institutions can play a significant role in brdiging the gap. By training students in how to service, program and design robotics equipment used in manufacturing and other industries, they can prepare them for careers that are in high demand while bridging the skill gap.

There are several positions within the field of robotics ranging from robotics technicians and robotics specialists to robotics integrators and robotics software engineers. While some positions require specialised skills, a high school diploma or advanced diploma is acceptable for many entry-level robotics positions, and this is where vocational training institutions can play a major role. EdNex LLC is a pioneer for training systems for robotics education. We offer a number of solutions for vocational training institutes and engineering colleges to integrate robotics training with their curriculum. From robotic arms and software to training platforms and educational resources, we offer a complete range of solutions for robotics education.

One of our latest solutions is the Intelitek SmartCart 4.0, an all-inclusive robotics education platform. It is designed to train students in system integration and industrial robotics for Industry 4.0 ecosystems. To learn more, visit: https://ednex.me/smartcart-4-0//

2023-05-01T08:59:42+04:00