The robotic arm contains around 80% locally produced components and is being deployed on a packaging line
Egypt has unveiled the first locally developed industrial robot, as the country seeks to expand domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported industrial technology.
The robot was officially launched and handed over at a ceremony attended by Industry Minister Khaled Hashem on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, it was developed by Egyptian engineers using locally produced technology. Local media reported that around 80% of its components are domestically produced, with developers aiming for 90% once motor production is localized.
The robotic arm is already being used commercially. It is being integrated into packaging equipment operated by Egyptian manufacturer QB and is designed for industrial packaging and automation on production lines.
Hashem said localizing the production of machinery and manufacturing lines is a key part of Egypt’s national industrial strategy. He added that the ‘Made in Egypt’ label is intended to reflect the country’s ability to develop technology and integrate into global supply chains.
The ministry said it will monitor the robot’s performance in industrial operations to assess its effectiveness and encourage wider adoption by Egyptian factories.
Egypt is not the only African country developing local expertise in industrial robotics. Tunisia’s TIRA Robots has developed robotic arms for integration into production lines, while other local engineering companies, including XPERT-MECA, design automated machinery and integrate industrial robots produced by global manufacturers such as KUKA.
Industrial automation is also well established in South Africa and Morocco, particularly in the automotive sector. Local companies integrate foreign-made robots into production lines. Morocco-based MTS Robotics develops automated systems for welding, assembly, handling, and packaging.
Cairo has also seen locally developed robots outside the industrial sector. In September, a team from Tanta University won the national RoboDam 2026 competition with an autonomous robot designed for cleaning operations. The university said the system could be manufactured locally at a significantly lower cost than imported alternatives.
