
SALUTS unveils robot-defined operations at Web Summit Qatar
SALUTS has also announced its strategic partnership with Unifiaccess, an industrial technology company in Saudi Arabia. By combining SALUTS' deep-tech expertise in ultra-low-power AI chips and secure satellite connectivity with Unifiaccess' manufacturing scale and regional market insight, the alliance will deliver next-generation IoT, V2X and distributed surveillance solutions powered by space-based infrastructure — and co-develop the first German-Saudi IoT satellite constellation.
Together, SALUTS and Unifiaccess will fast-track advanced IoT and V2X applications—from autonomous logistics fleets to distributed surveillance networks safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Under SALUTS' AstraDroid programme, the partners will co-develop and deploy a 16-satellite microsatellite constellation over the next decade. This network will provide global distributed systems, precise navigation and resilient communications for industrial operations, smart cities and defense platforms.
Saudi Vision 2030: Accelerating sustainability, smart-city deployments and Industry 4.0 with low-latency edge AI; empowering local talent through no-code platforms.
UAE Innovation Vision: Bolstering the UAE's Space Strategy 2030 via orbital autonomy; advancing AI Strategy 2031 with energy-efficient, resilient edge computing.
At Web Summit Qatar 2025, SALUTS unveiled its robot-defined operations framework, demonstrating two flagship innovations:
CHIRB (Computing on Hybrid Interplanetary Relay Basis) – a natural-language AI control layer that bridges Web 2.0 and Web 3.0, enabling code-free, real-time automation across space, defense, industrial and smart-city environments.
NEROnaut – a rugged, ultra-efficient Robot-on-Chip delivering on-device AI for instantaneous, resilient decision-making both in orbit and at the network edge.
'Resilient autonomy is the next frontier,' said M Sobhy Fouda, CEO and founder of SALUTS. 'By processing security telemetry on-chip, we eliminate latency and external vulnerabilities—ensuring satellites, UAVs and critical infrastructure detect and neutralise threats in real time.' Attendees responded enthusiastically to live demos of decentralised satellite platforms, energy-efficient orbital data centers and intelligent machine interactions extending far beyond Earth.
SALUTS' CHIRB platform transforms mission management by offering:
Natural-language interface: Intuitive, code-free control and diagnostics via chat.
Edge processing: Sub-millisecond decisions on-device, independent of ground links.
Plug-and-play integration: Seamless deployment across satellites, UAVs, industrial machinery and smart-city systems.
Decentralised security: Web 3.0-inspired architecture ensuring data sovereignty and built-in audit trails.
Multi-agent coordination: Real-time orchestration of heterogeneous fleets—from orbital platforms to autonomous vehicles.
Offline resilience: continuous operation in contested or disconnected environments, with self-healing routines.
At the heart of this pioneering approach is Robot-on-Chip, SALUTS' proprietary decentralised AI technology. This innovation enables real-time, in-orbit and on-the-ground data processing while ensuring cyber resilience against emerging robotic threats.
'As the CEO and founder of SALUTS and the creator of Robot-on-Chip, my mission is to advance AI-driven autonomy while safeguarding human life from robotic risks. Our work is shaping the future of human-machine interactions, ensuring they are not only intelligent but also secure,' said Fouda.
AI systems are prime targets for cyber threats, rogue automation, and adversarial AI attacks. SALUTS' Robot-on-Chip integrates advanced security layers to detect, isolate, and neutralize robotic threats in real time—ensuring mission-critical operations remain secure.
Autonomy must be unhackable. Robot-Defined Defense safeguards military UAVs and satellites from cyber intrusion, autonomous industrial operations from adversarial AI attacks, and IoT and smart infrastructure from robotic system breaches.
Unlike conventional AI, Robot-on-Chip processes security data on-device, eliminating latency and man-in-the-middle vulnerabilities tied to Earth-based processing. This enables instant anomaly detection, autonomous countermeasures, and resilient AI decision-making in real time.
As part of its global mission to secure AI autonomy, SALUTS presented at Web Summit Qatar, one of the world's leading technology gatherings. The event provided a platform for SALUTS to engage with investors, defense organisations, and industry leaders, showcasing how Robot-Defined Defense is shaping the next generation of cyber-secure autonomy.
With its rapid ascent on the global stage, Salutes Space has rebranded to SALUTS, symbolising an expanded mission from orbital servicing to critical infrastructure, industrial automation and defense.
"Our goal is to develop not only smarter but also more resilient and responsible AI — systems that learn, adapt and operate independently," said Fouda.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


UAE Moments
27 minutes ago
- UAE Moments
UAE Banks to Stop SMS and Email OTPs From July 25
In a big move to boost digital banking security, UAE banks will start phasing out one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS and email starting Friday, July 25. Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement! This change comes under new guidelines issued by the UAE Central Bank, which requires all banks to shift to app-based authentication for both local and international financial transactions. Why the change? SMS and email OTPs have been widely used for years, but they've also become common targets for cybercriminals using techniques like SIM swapping and phishing. Switching to in-app verification adds an extra layer of security by keeping the authentication process within your bank's secure mobile app. What this means for you: Instead of waiting for a code to arrive by text or email, you'll now confirm transactions through your bank's mobile app using fingerprint, face ID, or a secure push notification. A bank spokesperson explained: 'As per the directives issued by the UAE Central Bank, the practice of receiving OTPs via SMS or email will be phased out. Customers can now complete online transactions easily by selecting the 'Authentication via App' feature in their bank's smart application.' Full phase-out by March 2026 The change won't happen overnight. Banks will roll out the transition gradually, with the goal of completely stopping SMS and email OTPs by March 2026. Until then, some customers may still receive OTPs the old way — but it's only temporary. Banks are encouraging users to update their apps and get comfortable with in-app authentication as soon as possible. Part of the UAE's digital transformation This move is part of the country's broader push to modernise its financial systems and make online banking safer and smoother for everyone.


Gulf Business
27 minutes ago
- Gulf Business
Hala taxi trips in Dubai up 12%, users increase by 10% in H1 2025
Image: Hala/ RTA Taxi trips in Dubai rose 12 per cent year-on-year in H1, while active users increased by 10 per cent, the company said in a statement. In The company expanded its fleet by 250 vehicles in the first half and plans to add another 600 by year-end. Hala also introduced four new electric vehicles and reported that 90 per cent of its total fleet is now hybrid. EV trips helped avoid an estimated 272.61 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) during the period. Customer satisfaction held steady at 4.9 out of 5, with 98 per cent of trips rated 'Good' or higher. Hala maintained an average ETA of under three minutes in peak zones and recorded a 93 per cent trip fulfilment rate. Low-rated trips (1–3 stars) fell by 25 per cent, customer contact rates dropped 13 per cent, and cancellations were down 17 per cent. Hala: New drivers, sustainable scaling To support growth, over 2,600 new drivers – known as 'captains' – were onboarded and trained in H1, while more than 6,000 existing captains completed refresher training. Hala also rolled out several service enhancements, including upgraded hygiene protocols and a new in-car scent experience developed with fragrance brand Rituals. CEO Khaled Nuseibeh said the results reflect 'continuous improvement and sustainable scaling' across Hala's operations. 'Whether it's through Captain Care, listening to our riders, or investing in greener mobility, we are scaling in a way that is sustainable, responsive, and responsible,' he said. Hala operates through the Careem app and serves as a major player in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah's public transport network. The company said it remains focused on expanding tech-enabled, low-emission transport options in line with broader urban mobility and climate goals. A cornerstone of Hala's growth is its emphasis on the well-being of its captains, who benefit from ongoing development opportunities such as regular training on safety, tech, and service standards, alongside support mechanisms for physical and mental well-being. Top-performing captains are regularly recognised and rewarded, while flexible scheduling options and financial support programmes are in place to help them balance their personal and professional lives. As demand for tech-enabled, reliable transport continues to grow, Hala remains focused on delivering measurable impact across convenience, service quality, and environmental responsibility. Integrated within the Careem app, Hala continues to play a key role in strengthening urban mobility in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.


Khaleej Times
27 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Dh42 million in fines to private sector firms under anti-money laundering laws
More than Dh42 million in administrative fines have been issued during the first half of 2025 following inspections targeting private sector firms that failed to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism stated on Thursday. A total of 1,063 violations were recorded across non-financial businesses and professions, including precious metals and gemstones trading, real estate brokerage, corporate service providers, and auditors. Of the total, 473 violations were detected in the precious metals and gemstones sector, leading to fines worth Dh20 million. Real estate brokers faced 495 violations amounting to nearly Dh18.5 million. Another 95 violations, worth over Dh4 million, were found among corporate service providers and auditors. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism said the fines are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight and push firms to align with the country's AML laws. 'These results reflect how much progress we've made in upgrading our inspection system to ensure stronger compliance with financial crime legislation,' said Safia Hashem Al Safi, Assistant Undersecretary for Commercial Control and Governance. She said the penalties aim to drive companies to fix internal shortcomings, apply proper due diligence, and improve risk evaluations. Violations were flagged using specific technical indicators and regulatory benchmarks. The ministry said it will continue field and desk inspections and urged firms to use this period to improve internal controls and avoid future penalties. 'The UAE is working to reinforce its position as a trusted economic hub, aligned with international standards on governance and AML compliance,' Al Safi added.