In a significant move to accelerate AI-driven automation, real-time computing, and digital transformation, Aramco Digital, Armada, and Microsoft have successfully launched Galleon edge data centers, the Commander software platform, and cutting-edge AI applications within Saudi Arabia. This collaboration marks a major milestone in optimizing operations across Saudi Aramco’s industrial sites.
These deployments leverage Microsoft Azure’s adaptive cloud components integrated with Armada’s Galleon infrastructure, offering secure and high-performance computing capabilities directly at the edge. Key elements of the deployment include Azure IoT Operations for data ingestion, Azure Arc for resource management within the Galleon, and Azure Local for supporting distributed infrastructure.
By processing and analyzing critical data in real time, this strategic collaboration enables low-latency AI applications, automated safety monitoring, and enhanced operational intelligence, thus boosting Aramco’s efficiency and resilience across its industrial facilities.
Nabil Al Nuaim, Senior Vice President of Digital & Information Technology at Aramco, commented on the partnership: “Our collaboration with Armada and Microsoft reinforces Aramco’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to optimize operations and drive innovation. The integration of edge computing and real-world AI within our industrial sites will enhance our ability to make data-driven decisions in real time, further strengthening our position as a global leader in digital transformation.”
This alliance between Aramco Digital, Armada, and Microsoft combines the scalability of cloud technology with the resilience of edge computing, delivering powerful AI-driven insights to drive operational excellence and increased efficiency across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Galleons will serve as distributed industrial cloud hubs, advancing Aramco’s broader hyperscale data center strategy, while ensuring on-premises AI capabilities in critical areas where real-time decision-making is essential.
Douglas Phillips, Corporate Vice President, Azure Edge + Platform at Microsoft, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “Microsoft is proud to support Aramco Digital and Armada in extending Azure to the edge, ensuring that mission-critical operations benefit from the power and flexibility of edge computing in real time. This collaboration is a testament to the potential of AI and edge computing to transform industries and accelerate Saudi Arabia’s digital future.”
Also Read: Quantinuum Unveils Quantum AI Breakthrough with Impact
As part of this partnership, Armada is playing a pivotal role in supporting Aramco Digital’s digital transformation efforts by incorporating advanced satellite communication solutions into the Galleon platform. This integration harnesses Armada’s Commander software platform and its extensive satellite partner network to provide fast, reliable connectivity across remote, bandwidth-constrained environments, enabling seamless operations in Aramco’s most critical locations.
“The deployment of Galleons in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Aramco Digital and Microsoft, marks a significant milestone in advancing real-world AI through edge computing,” said Dan Wright, Co-founder and CEO of Armada. “By bringing real-time processing capabilities directly to Aramco’s critical operations, we’re enabling new levels of efficiency, safety, and intelligence at the edge. This is just the beginning of a transformative journey to scale these capabilities to the world.”
The initial deployment focuses on AI-driven digital safety solutions for Aramco’s construction sites and energy facilities. These solutions incorporate computer vision and generative AI for predictive safety monitoring and real-time reporting. By embedding high-performance computing directly at the edge, the Galleons facilitate the real-time processing of extensive sensor networks, including cameras and IoT systems, enabling vision-based reporting, robotics, and multimodal AI applications.
Building on the successful rollout of the first unit, the partners are working to expand coverage across Saudi Arabia, ensuring high-performance edge computing wherever Aramco operates. These initiatives align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, fostering innovation, workforce development, and AI-driven industrial modernization.
To further support the AI revolution, Armada is establishing a local presence in Saudi Arabia, which includes the creation of a regional headquarters, dedicated support teams, and plans for local manufacturing. The collaboration also paves the way for joint innovation labs and training programs aimed at developing the next generation of AI and cloud computing experts in the region.
This strategic partnership represents a major leap toward a fully connected, intelligent industrial future, driving efficiency and advancing Saudi Aramco‘s leadership in AI-powered energy and digital infrastructure.