Mecca's AI-powered pilgrim guide; Autonomous robots inspect subsea wind farms
Key Takeaways
- AI 'Manara Robot' in Mecca guides pilgrims in 11 languages, offering religious guidance.
- SeaRenergy & Tethys Robotics partner for autonomous subsea inspections using Tethys ONE robot.
Top Stories
AI-powered 'Manara Robot' guides Mecca pilgrims in 11 languages.
On 2025-05-26, Saudi Arabia introduced the AI-powered "Manara (Beacon) Robot" and its second iteration, “Manara 2,” at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Developed in three months, the robot offers religious guidance to pilgrims in at least 11 languages and provides direct access to scholars.
SeaRenergy & Tethys Robotics partner for autonomous subsea inspections.
On 2025-05-27, SeaRenergy and Tethys Robotics announced a partnership to develop autonomous subsea inspection services. Pilot projects will commence in the North Sea and Baltic Sea, focusing on offshore wind farm structures and subsea cables, utilizing the Tethys ONE underwater robot.
Future Outlook
Expertise gap hinders robotics adoption; generative AI optimizes processes.
On 2025-05-26, ABI Research reported that lack of expertise and time are major barriers to robotics adoption. A survey also revealed that over 50% of respondents agreed generative AI can optimize tool paths, predictive maintenance, production lines, and human-robot interactions. George Chowdhury from ABI Research noted a disconnect between AI-augmented robot capabilities and market offerings, emphasizing the need for market education.
Toyota Group boosts AI, launches Global AI Accelerator (GAIA).
On 2025-05-26, five major Toyota Group companies (Aisin, Denso, Toyota Tsusho, Toyota Motor, and Woven by Toyota) agreed to start new initiatives to bolster their AI and software development capabilities. This includes launching the Global AI Accelerator (GAIA) to boost investment in AI research, development, and implementation across Toyota, targeting robotics.