ADNOC signs three agreements with Gecko Robotics to scale AI and robotics, cut downtime and train UAE talent

ADNOC will roll out Gecko Robotics' systems and AI analytics across assets to speed inspections and cut downtime. Training and tighter links to maintenance tools are planned.

Categorized in: AI News Operations

Published on: Nov 04, 2025

ADNOC to expand robotics and AI across operations

ADNOC has signed three agreements with US-based Gecko Robotics to roll out robotics and AI-driven analytics across its assets and to grow UAE national talent in these skills. Announced at the ENACT Majlis in Abu Dhabi on 3 November 2025, the plan centers on improving efficiency, reducing downtime and tightening maintenance execution across ADNOC Gas and other operations.

Under a multi-year deal, AIQ-ADNOC's joint venture with Presight-will deploy Gecko Robotics' Cantilever operating system across ADNOC Gas facilities. This marks AIQ's first robotics deployment and a shift toward inspection data that feeds maintenance decisions in near real time.

What changes on the ground for operations teams

Robotics-enabled inspections across critical equipment (pipelines, vessels, tanks) to increase coverage and frequency without long shutdowns.
AI-driven analytics to flag corrosion, wall loss and anomalies early, turning reactive fixes into planned work.
Potential manufacturing of robotic systems in the UAE and broader rollout of AI analytics across ADNOC assets.
Joint training via ADNOC Technical Academy to build local capability in robotics operations and data interpretation.

Why this matters for uptime, cost and safety

Faster inspection cycles shorten turnarounds and reduce scaffolding, confined space entries and manual scanning. Better data means tighter RBI strategies, fewer surprise failures and a cleaner backlog profile.

Expect more precise scheduling, higher wrench time and clearer prioritization of work orders tied to verified asset condition. The net effect: fewer unplanned outages and stronger process safety performance.

How the tech fits your maintenance stack

Robots collect high-fidelity physical data that streams into Cantilever for analysis. Insights then flow to existing CMMS and integrity systems to trigger or update work orders, inspection plans and repair scopes.

For smooth adoption, plan integrations with SAP PM/Maximo, integrity/RBI tools and your data lake. Align naming standards, asset hierarchies and notification/WO workflows so analytics can translate into action without manual rework.

People and capability

The ATA partnership will expand training in robotics operations, NDT fundamentals and data analysis. Stand up an internal "robotics and analytics" champion team to own procedures, change management and field adoption.

Update SOPs, permit-to-work guidelines and isolation practices to account for robotic entry, human-robot zones and data handoffs to inspection and maintenance teams.

Key KPIs to watch

Unplanned downtime and mean time between failures.
Inspection coverage and inspection-to-work-order conversion rate.
Anomaly-to-repair cycle time and cost per inspected asset.
Corrosion rate trends and variance by unit/line.
Emissions intensity tied to leak detection and repair activity.

The broader collaboration

ADNOC and Gecko will also explore expanded use of advanced robotics and AI analytics across the portfolio and assess local manufacturing potential. Separately, ADNOC signed an agreement with Masdar, XRG and Microsoft to co-develop AI agents aimed at efficiency and lower emissions, and to evaluate energy and infrastructure options that support Microsoft's data center growth.

90-day action plan for operations leaders

Pick 2-3 high-value assets for pilot inspections (e.g., high-risk circuits, aging vessels).
Define data hooks into CMMS/integrity tools; map how alerts become work orders.
Train a cross-functional crew (inspection, maintenance, operations, HSE) on field use and data review.
Run one shutdown and one live-operations trial to test procedures and safety controls.
Lock KPIs, baseline current performance and set quarterly targets for downtime, backlog and inspection coverage.

Quotes

ADNOC group CEO Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber highlighted the push for efficiency, safety and performance through AI and advanced technology. Gecko Robotics CEO Jake Loosararian said: "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."