Aramco Digital has unveiled iCONNA, an industrial AI ecosystem designed to support digital transformation across Saudi Arabia’s industrial facilities.
Aramco Digital CEO Dr. Ashraf AlTahini unveiled the platform at the LEAP 2026 technology conference in Riyadh. The launch took place in the presence of Minister of Communications and Information Technology H.E. Eng. Abdullah Alswaha.
Aramco Digital brings six industrial technology layers together
The iCONNA ecosystem combines six core layers. These include the national 450 MHz network, mission critical communications, Industrial IoT, smart devices, Industrial AI solutions and a software marketplace.
The platform uses private 450 MHz spectrum, also known as LTE Band 72. The network provides secure industrial connectivity that operates independently of public commercial telecommunications networks.
As a result, industrial operators can connect sensors, devices and other systems through a dedicated communications network.
The ecosystem also includes the iCONNA Xtreme Reliability device portfolio. The portfolio provides ruggedised hardware for field teams working in demanding and hazardous industrial environments.
iCONNA targets connected industrial operations
According to Aramco Digital, iCONNA is designed to move industrial sites beyond basic connectivity. The platform uses real time sensor data to support autonomous operational decision making.
The ecosystem combines Industrial IoT with connected smart devices and industrial AI solutions. It also includes an AI powered software marketplace.
This approach brings connectivity, devices, data and AI capabilities within one industrial ecosystem. The platform is intended to support the transition of traditional production sites into autonomous and self adapting facilities.
450 MHz network supports industrial connectivity
The underlying network is built around private 450 MHz spectrum. Aramco Digital positions the network as a secure connectivity layer for critical industrial operations.
The company says the network operates independently from public commercial telecommunications networks. This supports industrial applications that require dedicated connectivity for Industrial IoT and edge AI.
The iCONNA Xtreme Reliability portfolio adds a hardware layer to the ecosystem. These devices are designed to maintain communications in demanding operational environments.
Aramco Digital and Qualcomm expand edge AI work
The iCONNA launch builds on an existing collaboration between Aramco Digital and Qualcomm Technologies.
The two companies announced a strategic collaboration last year to develop, deploy and commercialise edge AI Industrial IoT technologies and solutions.
The partnership combines Qualcomm Technologies’ expertise in on device AI, wireless connectivity and power efficient computing with Aramco Digital’s 450 MHz 5G industrial network.
The companies identified several potential applications. These include worker assistants, predictive maintenance, visual anomaly detection and asset management.
In September 2024, Aramco Digital and Qualcomm Technologies also announced processors with native support for 5G in the 450 MHz spectrum.
Qualcomm’s QCM8550 and QCM6490 IoT processors are designed to connect intelligent edge devices. These include industrial handhelds, ruggedised smartphones, robots, drones and sensors.
iCONNA aligns with Saudi industrial transformation
Aramco Digital said the ecosystem supports the digital transformation of local industrial sectors.
The initiative also aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 industrial resilience targets, according to the company.
By combining its 450 MHz network with Industrial IoT, smart devices and AI solutions, Aramco Digital is targeting connected industrial operations across the Kingdom.
