Dubai’s robot customs inspector just won the Best Idea award

Senior manager of Dubai Customs, Hussain Al Fardan reveals that the idea of the robot came after a brainstorming session organised by the Innovation Center. The result of which later saw members work collectively to create a robot equipped with advanced tracking and inspection technology.

Speaking on the nation’s award-winning robot, DP World Group Chairman & CEO and Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Sultan bin Sulayem said that: “It’s no stranger to Dubai Customs to innovate and come up with new winning ideas within its efforts and journey to facilitate trade and movement of cargo and passengers.”

While one would think that the robot which is already being updated to include “local features” would have been inspired by a robot, Sulayem revealed that it was in fact inspired by city’s ruler.

“We are always inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, which aims [to make] people happier and help Dubai stand out from others,” he said.

According to the Director of Dubai Customs, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, the android robot inspector is just one of the innovations that Dubai Customs have introduced to help ease the flow of traffic and boost the city’s trade.

“We have many innovations like the risk engine, the smart container inspection system, Al Kashif Vehicle, and the android robot inspector, among many others”, he said.