The news that a humanoid robot capable of displaying emotions is being developed in the UAE is intriguing. Academics at UAE University are particularly interested in developing robots that can care for children with special needs, in particular those with autism. There is some evidence that autistic children respond better to the more controlled responses of robots than the naturally emotional responses of humans.
To a large degree this focus on robots is emblematic of the need to invest in cutting-edge technology for the sake of the economy. The UAE is a relatively small country and the majority of its residents are non-citizens. Over time, the idea is that Emiratis will take over doing the majority of jobs – but with only a small number of citizens, there is a natural limit to how big the economy can grow.
Enter robots. Cutting-edge technology, smart government, driverless cars, buildings that require little maintenance – all of these are ways of reducing the need for human workers. Technology in this way acts as a multiplier – many more people, for example, can receive the care they need if, for example, some of the functions of doctors, nurses and therapists are conducted by machines. The same applies to customer service or to government employees – anywhere that broadly repetitive and programmable actions can be done by machines, they ought to be. It’s all about making the best use of human resources.
Another aspect is automation. Robots don’t only come in the sorts of human forms associated with the TV series Westworld. They also come in the form of machines that can build cars, assemble electronics and package products. In the medium term, diversifying the UAE’s economy from extractive industries like oil and gas must include a manufacturing component. That may seem counterintuitive, but there are many parts of the Indian subcontinent and countries across Africa that would buy goods made in the UAE – goods manufactured in the UAE would be trusted and the easy transport routes should keep costs down.
But manufacturing in the UAE can only occur at a reasonable price with automation. It may seem a chicken and egg scenario – which comes first, the product to build or the automation to build it? – but in fact investing in cutting-edge robotics will help with expanding the manufacturing base. In time, robots may even build other robots to look after humans.
