Innovative Smart Guidance Robot Deployed At Grand Mosque To Assist Pilgrims

The process of responding to religious inquiries and fatwas at the two holy mosques has evolved significantly over the past decades. Initially, traditional fatwa chairs and old telephones were used. This was followed by digital technology and smart applications, aligning with modern advancements. The latest development is the introduction of an artificial intelligence (AI) guidance robot at the Grand Mosque.

This robot offers fatwa services and responds to religious inquiries in 11 languages, marking a significant advancement by The Presidency for Religious Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques. The presidency has prioritised investment in modern technology and AI to enhance services provided to pilgrims. This includes using smart robots to guide pilgrims and Umrah performers on how to perform rituals.

The presidency aims to provide fatwas electronically at the holy mosques, adhering to Islamic teachings characterised by tolerance and inclusion. The leadership places great importance on the comfort of visitors to the two holy mosques, ensuring the development of smart services to assist them. The 11 languages used by the guidance robot are Arabic, English, French, Russian, Persian, Turkish, Malay, Urdu, Chinese, Bengali, and Hausa.

Robot Features

The robot features a 21-inch touchscreen for various services important to visitors, such as guidance, direction, and religious opinions. It has four wheels with a smart stopping system for smooth movement. Operating on a wireless network with a 5 GHz speed enables fast and efficient data transfer. The robots have a modern design that allows for easy mobility, providing fatwa services throughout the Grand Mosque.

Advanced Capabilities

Equipped with high-definition cameras for panoramic site capture, high-clarity speakers, and advanced noise-cancelling technologies for clear sound capture, the robots ensure effective communication. They also have a high-quality microphone for clear audio transmission. These robots roam the courtyards of the Grand Mosque, performing their functions efficiently.

Popularity Among Pilgrims

The robots are particularly popular among pilgrims and Umrah performers, answering their questions about rituals and other religious matters. This initiative reflects the presidency's commitment to leveraging advanced technology to improve the experience of visitors to the holy mosques.

With inputs from SPA