Qualcomm, Aramco Partner on AI, Industrial IoT Tech in Saudi Arabia

The companies said the project will create “new benchmarks” in industrial IoT and AI, as Saudi Arabia pursues digital transformation

Scarlett Evans, Assistant Editor, IoT World Today

May 16, 2024

2 Min Read
Cristiano Amon, President and CEO, Qualcomm Incorporated (Left) with Ahmad Khowaiter, Executive VP, Technology and Innovation, Aramco (Right)
Cristiano Amon, President and CEO, Qualcomm Incorporated (Left) with Ahmad Khowaiter, Executive VP, Technology and Innovation, Aramco (Right)Qualcomm

Qualcomm and state-owned petroleum and natural gas company Aramco have announced a new partnership to develop AI and advanced computing tools for industrial use cases in Saudi Arabia.

Among the technologies set for development are industrial 4G and 5G networks, and hardware and software for end-to-end IoT solutions. 

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Nakul Duggal, Qualcomm’s general manager of automotive, industrial and embedded IoT, said the project will support Saudi Arabia’s digital expansion plans, helping connect millions of devices as the nation ramps up smart city tech.

"We aim to develop advanced end-to-end IoT solutions that…showcase what state-of-the-art and sustainable digital transformation in the industrial space can look like,” said Duggal. "We…look forward to being a key partner to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as they accelerate their industrial digital transformation.”

Durga Malladi, Qualcomm’s senior vice president of technology planning, said that the companies would use high-performance computing, cellular technology and AI to “elevate” industrial IoT in the region. 

“This includes the use of the 450MHz spectrum to provide ubiquitous and resilient coverage that will be necessary to connect the millions of intelligent edge devices poised to come online,” he said. 

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Nabil A. Al-Nuaim, Aramco’s senior vice president, said the partners will “set benchmarks” in industrial IoT and AI, using the tech to improve operational efficiency and sustainability as the region pursues wide-scale connectivity.

"We are keen to advance our collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies to drive digital transformation on a global scale,” said Al-Nuaim. “Through initiatives like the Saudi Accelerated Innovation Lab (SAIL), we are committed to developing innovative, cutting-edge solutions that establish new standards for industrial innovation worldwide."

Launched by Aramco last November, SAIL is designed as a ‘digital super-highway’, connecting Aramco’s assets and acting as a market hub for innovators to collaborate and build new digital solutions. 

About the Author(s)

Scarlett Evans

Assistant Editor, IoT World Today

Scarlett Evans is the assistant editor for IoT World Today, with a particular focus on robotics and smart city technologies. Scarlett has previous experience in minerals and resources with Mine Australia, Mine Technology and Power Technology. She joined Informa in April 2022.

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