Neom, the sustainable development taking shape in the northwest of the kingdom, has signed a joint venture (JV) agreement with Samsung C&T Corporation, to unlock an initial investment of more than SR1.3 billion ($345 million) in construction robotics.

The agreement will accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge construction automation technology in Saudi Arabia, said Neom.

The joint venture was orchestrated by the Saudi developer's strategic investment arm, Neom Investment Fund (NIF).

The JV aims to automate rebar cage assembly through advanced robotic welding and tying techniques, enabling the assembly of large, pre-manufactured reinforcement cages.

Through automation, adoption of rebar assembly technology can reduce manual workforce hours by up to 80 per cent, based on global average installation metrics for traditional construction methods, improving safety and quality, reducing material waste and reducing cage assembly costs by up to 40 per cent, it stated.

Majid Mufti, CEO, Neom Investment Fund, said the agreement will establish rebar cage assembly factories in Neom, creating more than 2,000 highly skilled job opportunities locally, while meeting the extensive requirements for construction of The Line and other key developments in the region.

Meanwhile, Neom has also signed a landmark investment agreement with GMT Robotics, one of Europe’s emerging innovators in advanced construction technology.

Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, GMT Robotics is a specialist in robotic technology tailored specifically to the rebar market. The company’s robotic rebar cage assembly and handling systems deliver significant advancements in efficiency and workplace safety for the construction industry.