Saudi university team plans startup after global robotics success

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — A student robotics team from King Abdulaziz University (KAU) is preparing to turn its award-winning underwater robot into a commercial technology venture after securing seventh place at the MATE ROV 2026 World Championship in Canada.

KAU President Dr. Tareef Al-Aama honored the Red Sea Rovers team after it competed in the championship finals at Memorial University, where teams from 35 universities participated in the Pioneer category, reported Arab News.

The team’s remotely operated underwater vehicle impressed judges with its ability to perform demanding underwater engineering and exploration tasks. 

Equipped with advanced control, sensing and navigation systems, the robot is designed to operate accurately and reliably in complex marine environments.

The project was developed over two years through KAU’s Manufacturing Club under the Deanship of Student Affairs, bringing together students from multiple disciplines who used university workshops, laboratories and technical training facilities.

Prof. Ammar Abdulghani Melaibari, supervisor of the Manufacturing Club and the Faculty of Engineering’s industrial workshops, said the international achievement marks the beginning of a broader effort to develop Saudi-made underwater technologies.

He said the vehicle was designed to meet growing domestic demand for safer and more affordable underwater inspection systems, reducing dependence on divers and costly imported equipment.

The robot can be used for environmental monitoring, coral reef assessments, marine wildlife observation, sample collection and three-dimensional underwater mapping. It can also inspect pipelines, ship hulls, port facilities, desalination plants and offshore energy infrastructure.

The team is now developing additional capabilities, including an underwater welding system and a robotic maintenance arm, to perform hazardous tasks without requiring divers.

According to Melaibari, the university is exploring the launch of a startup that would provide underwater inspection, maintenance and environmental survey services for ports, desalination plants and offshore facilities while strengthening local expertise and lowering operational costs.

The robot features eight thrusters that provide six degrees of movement and operates in both autonomous and tethered modes, allowing it to carry out pre-programmed missions or remain under continuous operator control.

KAU plans to advance the project by enhancing the technology, securing intellectual property rights and supporting commercialization through its business incubator and Wadi Jeddah. 

Future upgrades include an AI-powered image analysis system, an advanced robotic arm and improved autonomous 3D mapping capabilities.

Rather than selling the robot itself, the proposed company intends to offer specialized marine services, using revenue to support continued research and product development.

The multidisciplinary project involved students specializing in mechanical engineering, electronics, programming, power systems and image processing. The initiative received support from KAU, the Scientific Endowment and Johnson Controls Arabia.

The university also plans to expand student participation across engineering, artificial intelligence, computer science, marine sciences, business and media disciplines while strengthening partnerships with industry and defense organizations to support future research and international competitions.