Physical AI Takes Flight at GITEX World RobotiX: Humanoids and Embodied Intelligence Reshape Industry

As humanoid robot shipments surge globally, Dubai readies to host the world's most ambitious showcase of physical AI, where machines that perceive, reason and act are transforming manufacturing, logistics and beyond.

The transformation of how machines interact with the physical world reaches a crescendo this December, when Dubai opens its doors to a convergence of robotics pioneers, embodied AI innovators and the machines themselves. GITEX World RobotiX, a new specialist division within GITEX GLOBAL, will occupy the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai from 8 to 11 December, presenting everything from interactive humanoids undertaking complex industrial tasks to multilingual robot assistants and wearable exoskeleton technology.

The timing reflects a remarkable acceleration in the field. More than 22,000 humanoid robots shipped globally in the first half of 2026, representing a 300 per cent year-on-year increase, with projections suggesting shipments will surpass 50,000 units by year’s end. For Dubai, the moment holds particular significance: the emirate’s Robotics and Automation Program targets deployment of 200,000 robots over the decade to 2032, signalling profound ambitions for how physical AI might reshape the region’s industrial landscape.

Unitree, commanding 31 per cent global market share in humanoid manufacturing, leads the roster of international exhibitors, joined by manufacturers whose robots already operate in the world’s most demanding environments. UBTECH humanoids work in automotive factories and are undergoing testing with Airbus. DEEP Robotics brings its quadrupedal expertise. Locally, Micropolis Robotics demonstrates its autonomous patrol systems deployed with Dubai Police, whilst Mangobot presents an integrated robotic workforce spanning general-purpose machines, receptionists fluent in multiple languages and live robotic performances.

The showcase will feature several Middle East debuts. MOS 2, developed by Lumos Robotics, is a wheeled AI worker with dual arms capable of handling payloads to 50 kilograms and operating continuously for eight hours or more. The company’s first generation robots completed over 1,000 hours of failure-free operation at Mitsubishi Electric’s Changshu facility, executing material handling, quality inspection and assembly work. Raydiculous, a bionic robotics innovator, brings its TP01 humanoid, capable of communication in English and Arabic, alongside DINOBOT, a bipedal walking bionic dinosaur demonstrating realistic movement and interactive capacity. Light Origins will make the first public appearance of its bunny-shaped household robot with hands-on interactive scenarios.

Supporting the development of robotics talent, Besomi, a UAE-based technology education company, will introduce six humanoid and mobile robots known as the Besomi Rangers, collaborating with Unitree, Seeed Studio, Arduino and Qualcomm. A live Robotics and AI Lab will offer visitors hands-on engineering training using the latest Arduino VENTUNO platform, developed with Qualcomm. Meanwhile, specialists in robotic control systems, AI computing hardware and edge computing platforms will present the infrastructure enabling these machines to perceive, process and act. Physical AI software developer Songying Technology will demonstrate its ORCA OS and Lab, integrating simulation, synthetic data generation and AI training into a connected development environment.

The exhibition forms part of GITEX GLOBAL’s 46th edition, opening with the GITEX Summit at Dubai World Trade Centre on 7 December before the four-day expo begins. The dual showcase, organised by inD, converges over 6,000 exhibitors with government leaders, executives, investors and buyers representing 180 countries, whilst Expand North Star runs concurrently as a dedicated startup and investor event.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The emergence of GITEX World RobotiX signals Abu Dhabi’s deepening commitment to positioning the region at the frontier of technological transformation. As manufacturers globally accelerate robotics adoption, the emirate’s strategic Robotics and Automation Program targets 200,000 deployed robots by 2032, a transformation that will reshape how industrial processes function across sectors from manufacturing to logistics to healthcare.

The convergence of global robotics expertise, education initiatives through partners like Besomi, and the practical deployment of robots by local firms demonstrates that Abu Dhabi’s robotics ambitions extend beyond acquisition. They reflect a sophisticated understanding that sustained competitive advantage requires nurturing local talent, supporting systems integration expertise and fostering innovation ecosystems that can adapt these technologies to regional needs and opportunities.

Source: WAM

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