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
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Ozzy Osbourne AI tribute sparks 'digital resurrection' debate
Fans of Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne have criticised musician Tom Morello after he shared an AI-generated image of the rock star, who died this week at the age of 76. Osbourne bid farewell to fans earlier this month with a Black Sabbath reunion show in the British city of Birmingham. His death led to tributes from fans and musicians. They included Morello's post, which sparked anger among X users. The backlash over the stylised image – which included deceased rock stars Lemmy, Randy Rhodes and Ronnie James Dio – centred on what many saw as an exploitative and unsettling trend, with users questioning the ethics of sharing such visuals so soon after Osbourne's death. It is the latest flashpoint in a growing debate: when does using AI to recreate someone's likeness cross the line from tribute to invasion of privacy? While the tools behind these hyper-realistic images are evolving rapidly, the ethical frameworks and legal protections have not yet caught up. Deepfakes and grief in digital age Using AI to recreate the dead or the dying, sometimes referred to as "grief tech" or "digital resurrection", is becoming increasingly common, from fan-made tributes of celebrities to "griefbots" that simulate the voice or personality of a lost loved one. In an example of grief tech, Canadian Joshua Barbeau last year used Project December, a GPT-3-based chatbot created by Jason Rohrer, to recreate conversations with his dead fiancee from September 2020, eight years after her death. The chatbot's responses were so convincing that she "said" things like: "Of course it is me. Who else could it be? I am the girl that you are madly in love with." Mental health experts warn that such recreations can profoundly affect the grieving process. "The predictable and comforting responses of AI griefbots can create unrealistic expectations for emotional support, which could impact a person's ability to build healthy relationships in the future," said Carolyn Yaffe, a cognitive behaviour therapist at Medcare Camali Clinic in Dubai. "Some people find comfort and a sense of connection through them. In contrast, others might face negative effects, like prolonged denial, emotional pain, or even feelings of paranoia or psychosis." Interacting with AI likenesses can blur the lines between memory and reality, potentially distorting a person's emotional recovery, Ms Yaffe said. "These tools may delay acceptance and create a space where people stay connected to digital surrogates instead of moving on," she added. "Grief doesn't fit into neat algorithms." Lack of legal safeguards There is limited legal protection against these practices. In the Middle East, specific laws around AI-generated likenesses are still emerging. Countries including the UAE and Saudi Arabia address deepfakes under broader laws related to cyber crimes, defamation, or personal data protection. But there are still no clear regulations dealing with posthumous image rights or the AI-based recreation of people. Most laws focus on intent to harm, rather than on consent or digital legacy after death. In the UK, for example, there are no posthumous personality or image rights. Some states in the US, including California and New York, have begun to introduce limited protections, while others do not offer any. In China, draft legislation has begun to address AI deepfakes. Denmark, however, has been a pioneer on the issue, proposing a law that would grant people copyright-like control over their image, voice and likeness. The legislation, expected to pass this year, would allow Danish people to demand the removal of unauthorised deepfake content and seek civil damages, even posthumously, marking the first time such protections would be implemented in Europe. "Copyright does not protect someone's appearance or voice," said Andres Guadamuz, a reader in intellectual property law at the University of Sussex. "We urgently need to reform image and personality rights to address unauthorised AI depictions, particularly for vulnerable individuals, including the deceased or critically ill, where dignity, consent, and misuse risks are paramount." Consent, culture and control Ethical concerns about recreating the image or voice of someone who is critically ill or dead go beyond legal frameworks. Arda Awais, co-founder of UK-based digital rights collective Identity 2.0, believes that, even when AI tributes are carried out with good intentions, they carry significant risks. "Even with consent from the deceased, there could be ways a likeness is used which might not be 100 per cent in line with someone's wishes, too. Or how it's use evolves," Ms Awais said. She added that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be practical across different cultures, emphasising the need for more inclusive and diverse conversations when establishing ethical standards. While some families or individuals may welcome AI tributes as a means to preserve memories, others may view it as exploitative or harmful, particularly when it involves celebrities, whose images are frequently recycled without their permission. "Grief is such a personal experience," Ms Yaffe said. "For some, griefbots might provide a moment of relief. But they should be seen as a bridge, not the final destination." Experts warn that AI should never replace the emotional labour of mourning or the human connections that aid the healing process. "AI-generated responses can completely miss the point, not because the technology is harmful, but because it lacks the essential quality that grief requires – humanity," Ms Yaffe said.
Tahawul Tech
2 hours ago
- Tahawul Tech
Bybit launches MENA Marketing Campaign
Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, continues to deliver on the promise of borderless crypto lifestyle in a massive wave of Web2 partnerships. Starting in MENA, where its Dubai headquarters is based, Bybit is connecting the dots between Web2 and Web3 with a variety of local partners. The campaign seamlessly integrates crypto into real-world experiences. From gaming lounges to concert venues, sports stadiums to restaurants, and ride-sharing services, Bybit is creating an ecosystem where as accessible as—and potentially more rewarding than, traditional payment methods. These partnerships span entertainment, music, culture, sports, dining, and transportation, allowing crypto assets to empower lifestyle choices. Starting in June, MENA users are introduced to the Bybit brand through advertisements within Careem, the region's most-loved super app. These coordinated ads invite current Bybit users and potential new joiners to discover exclusive deals and offers available directly through Bybit's platform. Bybit's crypto-native services and payment solutions can be accessed via Bybit's app and website, encouraging users to explore how digital assets can enhance their everyday experiences throughout an exciting summer. Powered by Bybit: Crypto as a Lifestyle Leading in financial innovation, Bybit has been committed to shaping the future of crypto to the needs of its customers. It has evolved beyond a marketplace for crypto trading into a lifestyle choice. The partnership with Careem is the latest addition to Bybit's global footprint in collaborations: in Dubai, Bybit Card holders enjoy up to 30% off in services and room rates at the Grand Millennium Dubai; the golden city's Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is a long-term partner of Bybit in innovation and blockchain education. The Bybit Card also unlocks perks everywhere for its users from airport lounges to AI co-pilot subscriptions. 'Our local partners represent some of the most popular lifestyle choices in each community', said Claudia Wang, Head of Marketing at Bybit. 'We are grounded in customer-centricity: there is no real boundary in 'old-school' and Web3 marketing. We are everywhere our customers want us to be. Bybit as the brand is visible, accessible, and relatable across touch points', she shared on the philosophy of the campaign. The range of partnerships and local promotions are expected to cover more regions in the coming months. Over 70 millions of Bybit users possess first-mover advantage as early investors of 'smart money', and the onchain economy stands to provide them a path to financial freedom and elevated way of life. Whatever their needs, their crypto goals are achievable on Bybit's versatile platform for trading, custody, wealth management, payments, and Bybit-only rewards. The new campaign represents Bybit's commitment to making crypto adoption effortless and rewarding through localization, positioning the MENA region as a testing ground for the future of integrated digital finance. Image Credit: Bybit
ME Construction
4 hours ago
- ME Construction
Msheireb Properties partners with Cundall to decarbonise its entire portfolio
Sustainability Msheireb Properties partners with Cundall to decarbonise its entire portfolio By Each building has been assessed against Cundall's Seven Steps to Net Zero Carbon, with detailed action plans developed to reduce operational energy consumption Qatar-based developer Msheireb Properties has partnered with global multi-disciplinary consultancy Cundall to decarbonise its entire portfolio in Msheireb Downtown Doha. The initiative is said to be the first of its kind at this scale in Qatar, reinforcing Msheireb Properties position in sustainable urban development and supports the goals set out in the Qatar National Vision 2030. As part of the project, Cundall said that it conducted a detailed carbon footprint analysis across the full asset portfolio which includes over 100 buildings, 800+ residential units, and 300+ retail spaces. The decarbonisation strategy targets emissions reductions across all three GHG Protocol carbon accounting scopes (1, 2 and 3) and aligns with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a globally recognised benchmark for decarbonisation. 'This is more than a sustainability initiative – it's a pivotal step in redefining the future of urban living in Qatar,' said Fatima Mohamed Fawzy, Senior Manager – Education & Sustainability, Doha Design District, Msheireb Properties. 'By embedding science-based decarbonisation across our entire portfolio, we are not only setting a bold new benchmark for climate leadership in the region, but also demonstrating what is possible when innovation, transparency, and collaboration come together. This milestone reflects our long-term commitment to driving measurable climate action in the built environment and highlights the impact of working with forward-thinking partners like Cundall.' Gary Dodds, Partner and Country Director, Qatar added, 'We are proud to support Msheireb Properties on this pioneering journey. This is not just about upgrading buildings, it's about reshaping what sustainable development looks like in Qatar. By taking a portfolio-wide view, we're helping deliver meaningful change that aligns with both local goals and global expectations.' Mario Saab, Director of Sustainability MENA commented, 'By taking a data-led, science-aligned approach to portfolio decarbonisation, Msheireb Properties is setting a new standard for sustainable development in the region – one that others can learn from and follow.' Carbon accounting marks the first step in Msheireb Properties decarbonisation roadmap, that accounts for direct building and indirect emissions. Each building has been assessed against Cundall's Seven Steps to Net Zero Carbon, with detailed action plans developed to reduce operational energy consumption through priority upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, Cundall explained. Comprehensive energy audits were conducted across all building typologies to evaluate current performance and identify high-impact, cost-effective energy-saving opportunities. The wider decarbonisation plan also addresses elements such as sustainable procurement, supply chain engagement, waste management, and policy enhancement. Each asset received a performance rating and had measures identified as part of their tailored pathway to Net Zero carbon. As part of its leadership in carbon transparency, Msheireb Properties will now be able to provide granular emissions data to tenants – supporting their own decarbonisation goals and enabling alignment with international sustainability frameworks.
