Jubail Industrial College (JIC) participated in the Saudi Robotics Conference and Exhibition organized by the Royal Commission in Jubail during the Sharqiah Season, under the patronage of His Excellency Engr. Mustafa Mohammed Al Mahdi, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Commission in Jubail, at the King Abdullah Cultural Center for three days. JIC presented several student projects related to industrial robotics.

The conference aims to enrich the knowledge on the latest advanced technologies in the field of robotics. During the conference, 27 papers were presented in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence in several dialogue sessions. The topics of the conference include the discussion of smart manufacturing and the future of robotics in the Middle East, the importance of industrial robotics and future technologies, as well as highlighting the fourth industrial revolution, robotics and artificial intelligence, among others.

For his part, Dr. Eid M. Al-Hajri, JIC Managing Director, participated in a working paper during the first dialogue session of the conference. During his presentation, he mentioned that Jubail Industrial College has the ability to prepare and develop specializations for robotics in various fields, through the joint efforts of College faculty members and curriculum development. Dr. Al-Hajri also mentioned that based on global trends and the needs of the labor market, the robotics industry is expected to grow to 485,000 units in 2021, a 16% increase over the current rate. He also added that the Saudi industry is interested in this type of technology, a great example of which is the Saudi Arabia's NEOM project. Educating the youth in this type of technology is needed to reduce the gap with the skills required in the future.