Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia unveiled its first male humanoid robot ‘Muhammad’ during the second edition of DeepFast in Riyadh which kicked off at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre in Malham on Monday.
A 7-second video of the robot is now viral. In it, the reporter Rawya Kassem, is seen talking about the robot.
DeepFest, co-located with LEAP, the world’s most-attended tech event, and powered by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), features over 150 leading AI experts and 120 global AI companies, running from March 4-7.
The opening day featured presentations from industry giants such as HTC, Accenture, and Microsoft. Dr. Yaser Al-Onaizan, CEO of SDAIA, set the tone with the theme “The Dawn of AI,” bringing together international thought leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and academics.
A highlight of the event was the introduction of Mohammad, the Humanoid Robot, QSS Systems’ latest Saudi-made creation and the male counterpart to SARA, the first humanoid robot in the Kingdom. Mohammad, addressing the audience in flawless Arabic, emphasized his role as a national project showcasing Saudi achievements in artificial intelligence.
The DeepMedia Stage featured Waseem Sayegh from TikTok METAP, discussing the evolution of media and how platforms like TikTok can showcase and broadcast Saudi culture globally. Examples were given of regional creators using TikTok to build careers and partnerships.
Omar Hatamleh, Chief Advisor of AI and Innovation at NASA, delivered a comprehensive presentation on various AI topics, including racial and gender bias, 3D printing of biological organs, and the impact of AI on longevity and cognitive skills. Hatamleh urged a philosophical perspective on AI, challenging the audience to consider empathy for humanoid robots.
Gary Sorrentino, Global CIO at Zoom Inc., addressed the changing landscape post-pandemic, highlighting the emergence of “New Collar Workers” and advising corporate decision-makers to operationalize AI effectively. He emphasized the need to teach employees how to use AI for maximum value.
DeepFest continues with presentations from Google, Meta, the US Chamber of Commerce, Noon, and others, featuring live demos, training sessions, and start-up pitches throughout the event.