The Strategic Development Fund (SDF) has announced an initial investment and partnership agreement with Machina Labs, establishing a framework to explore a joint venture focused on advanced robotic manufacturing in the UAE and the wider region.
SDF is an Abu Dhabi–based investment entity wholly owned by EDGE Group. The agreement follows discussions finalized at the Dubai Airshow 2025 and outlines plans to deploy Machina Labs’ intelligent, software-defined manufacturing technology to produce advanced metal structures.
Machina Labs’ robotic manufacturing systems support software-defined metal forming and advanced production workflows, following SDF’s announced investment to expand regional manufacturing capabilities. (Photo courtesy of Machina Labs)
The partnership is supported by an initial investment, with additional funding from SDF that may reach up to AED 125 million (approximately USD 35 million) as both organisations evaluate opportunities to scale Machina Labs’ manufacturing capabilities across priority sectors. These sectors include aerospace, defense, mobility, and other strategic industries aligned with regional industrial development goals.
Partnerships that explore next-generation manufacturing solutions play an essential role in supporting the nation’s developmental roadmap and accelerating the UAE’s economic growth in advanced industrial capabilities. This collaboration between SDF and Machina Labs aligns with EDGE Group’s vision to strengthen industrial capabilities in future technologies, positioning the UAE as a leader in advanced technology,” said Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director & CEO of EDGE Group.
“Our collaboration with Machina Labs follows our hybrid investment approach, which includes investing in startups developing next-generation technologies related to dual-use industries while developing strategic partnerships that localize high-value technologies,” said Abdulla Naser Al Jaabari, Managing Director & CEO of SDF.
“SDF has identified several potential requirements where our project with Machina Labs will be able to contribute towards the EDGE ecosystem and SDF portfolio.”
“We are glad to have taken the first step with this initial investment, which will be followed by further capital as our partnership progresses.”
Machina Labs’ core capability is its RoboCraftsman™ platform. This software-defined robotic manufacturing cell integrates forming, scanning, trimming, drilling, and advanced welding and assembly systems, without requiring conventional tooling. This architecture is designed to enable rapid production cycles, increased design flexibility, and scalable manufacturing of complex metal assemblies.
“We are pleased to establish this initial partnership with the Strategic Development Fund as we explore opportunities to bring our intelligent robotics to the UAE. The country’s commitment to industrial innovation, combined with EDGE Group’s strategic vision and SDF’s advanced investment strategy, creates an ideal environment for adopting next-generation manufacturing technologies. Once finalized, this partnership strengthens our ability to scale our business via rapidly deployable production capacity for defense and strategic sectors and programs,” said Edward Mehr, CEO and Co-Founder of Machina Labs.
Machina Labs’ factory concept is designed to enable rapid deployment of full-scale manufacturing capacity, reducing lead times and enabling new production environments to be established in weeks rather than years. SDF will continue working with its partners to assess feasibility and determine how such robotic manufacturing capabilities may support the UAE’s long-term industrial and supply chain resilience objectives.
About Strategic Development Fund
The Strategic Development Fund is an Abu Dhabi–based investment entity established in 2019 and wholly owned by EDGE Group. SDF focuses on investing in strategic technology and industrial sectors to foster economic growth, strengthen local industrial capabilities, and generate long-term financial returns. Its investment activities span private equity, venture capital, greenfield projects, and venture debt initiatives supporting sustainable development and in-country value creation. For more information, please click here.
About Machina Labs
Machina Labs is a U.S.-based advanced manufacturing company developing AI-driven robotic production systems that eliminate traditional tooling constraints. Its RoboCraftsman platform integrates robotics and software-defined process control to manufacture complex metal parts for aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial applications. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Los Angeles, Machina Labs focuses on building adaptive, rapidly deployable manufacturing environments for next-generation production needs. To learn more, please click here.
Source/Photo Credit: Machina Labs
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Molly is the Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of Components Source Network, the industry’s first and only known 100% woman- and disability-owned and led B2B publishing platform serving the global high-tech manufacturing and engineering sectors. Her portfolio includes Robotics Industry Monthly and ten additional specialized e-news sites. With more than 25 years of experience spanning strategic technical marketing, public relations, and business development in highly specialized technical markets, she also leads Embassy Global, LLC, a virtual consultancy that has supported the growth of more than 200 high-tech industry brands worldwide since 2008. In addition to her publishing and advisory work, Molly has been appointed to serve as Second Vice Chair of the Government Team for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Forum, beginning in 2026, supporting policy development and advocacy initiatives advancing women-owned businesses. A long-standing voice for small business, supplier diversity, and women in STEM, she was also a 2025 finalist for the WBEC Metro New York Outstanding Advocate Award. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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