Terminus Group, a China-based leader in smart technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics has been named Expo 2020 Dubai's latest Premier Partner and has signed a long-term lease at District 2020 as part of the innovation ecosystem that will evolve after the event.

Victor AI, founder and CEO of Terminus Group and Mohammed AlHashmi, Chief Technology Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Courtesy of Terminus

As Expo 2020 Dubai's Official Robotics Partner, Terminus Group will deploy more than 150 programmable robots - including Opti, one of the Expo 2020 mascots - to interact with visitors over the six-month event.

Fitted with features including multi-touch displays, 5G network capability, AI-driven object mapping and object detection, the robots will perform a variety of tasks such as greeting visitors, performing in special displays, and providing visitor assistance, as well as helping with food and beverage delivery and hospitality services.

Terminus Group, a specialist in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT), will set up its first headquarters outside of China, as well as a research and development center, at District 2020, the human-centric smart city that will repurpose post Expo more than 80 per cent of the site's built environment. 

An innovation ecosystem and community with a mandate to support the UAE's advance towards an innovation-driven economy, District 2020 will also bolster industry and technology growth in the region.

The commitment reflects Dubai's position as a global hub for business, innovation and partnership and further supports the UAE's role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This multi-trillion-dollar mega-infrastructure development is set to link China with high-traffic trade routes across Europe and Asia, with the UAE as a critical connecting point.

Mohammed AlHashmi, Chief Technology Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: "Expo 2020 will be an unparalleled platform to showcase the capabilities of innovative technology and, as a pioneer in robotics and AI-enabled IoT applications, Terminus Group is a valuable new partner. Ongoing collaboration will demonstrate the potential of robotics, while also establishing the foundation for District 2020 as a center for technology innovation."

Nadimeh Mehra, Vice President, District 2020, said: "As a pioneer in advanced, future-defining technologies, Terminus Group will bring significant value to the diverse ecosystem we are curating at District 2020 and will contribute to our mission to support the UAE's strategy to become a pioneer in AI. This is an important collaboration as we share the vision of creating a human-centric smart community that will inspire other global innovation hubs."

The first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, Expo 2020 has been postponed by a year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will now run from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, when it will bring together the brightest minds and greatest ideas from around the globe, helping to generate new and exciting solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges.

Victor Ai, the Founder and CEO of Terminus Group, said: "Expo 2020 Dubai will serve as an incredible hub of innovation for the world, and District 2020 will act as an example for global smart city development. Terminus Group is working with both to redefine the concept of future cities with our leading Robotics, AI and IoT technology. Together with other technology-focused partners, we have the opportunity to further explore the area of smart spaces. This is precisely the reason why we are so excited."