Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has signed three strategic agreements with US-based Gecko Robotics to expand the use of robotics and artificial intelligence across its operations, aiming to enhance efficiency, reduce equipment downtime, and strengthen maintenance through AI-powered analytics.
The agreements, formalised at the ENACT Majlis event in Abu Dhabi, include a multi-year technology deployment for ADNOC Gas, a training collaboration with ADNOC Technical Academy (ATA) and a programme to explore wider robotics and analytics applications across ADNOC’s portfolio.
ADNOC managing director and group CEO Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said: “ADNOC is harnessing the power of AI and advanced technology to transform the way we work, driving greater efficiency, safety and performance across our operations.
“These three agreements mark another stop on our journey to becoming the world’s most AI-enabled energy company as we accelerate robotics deployment, empower local talent and strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for energy innovation.”
Under the multi-year technology deployment, AIQ — ADNOC’s joint venture with Presight — will implement Gecko Robotics’ Cantilever operating system across ADNOC Gas’ facilities.
The project marks AIQ’s first large-scale robotics deployment and is designed to provide advanced data acquisition and machine-driven insights to optimise maintenance cycles and mitigate operational risks.
A separate memorandum of understanding between ADNOC and Gecko Robotics will explore the broader use of advanced robotic systems and AI-powered analytics throughout ADNOC’s assets.
The agreement also considers the future manufacture of robotic systems within the UAE and the creation of AI solutions tailored to ADNOC’s operational requirements, supporting local technological capacity and ecosystem growth.
The third agreement, between Gecko Robotics and ADNOC Technical Academy, focuses on developing UAE national talent through specialised training in robotics and associated technical skills.
The collaboration will build a pipeline of homegrown expertise in advanced inspection technologies and digital operations — a cornerstone of ADNOC’s talent empowerment strategy.
Gecko Robotics CEO Jake Loosararian highlighted the partnership’s forward-looking nature, stating: “There is a race to lead the AI and energy moment, and the energy companies that win won’t just utilise technology, they will become technology companies.
“There is only one way to win this race, and that is to acquire physical data using robotics and unlocking human and machine performance from the AI that data fuels.
“Few understand this secret, but one leader seems to see it before the rest, and his name is Dr Sultan Al Jaber.”
The agreements build on ADNOC’s broader effort to integrate AI technologies across its value chain.
Also at the ENACT Majlis event, ADNOC announced a separate collaboration with Masdar, XRG, and Microsoft to accelerate the adoption of AI and develop sustainable energy solutions for Microsoft’s global data centre expansion.
Under that partnership, ADNOC and Microsoft will jointly develop AI agents aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing emissions, while Masdar and XRG will explore next-generation infrastructure options to support Microsoft’s growing global network.
Through these initiatives, ADNOC continues to advance its digital transformation and sustainability agenda, positioning itself at the forefront of the shift toward a technology-led energy future driven by AI, robotics, and local innovation.
