Robo.ai has formed a strategic joint venture with U.S.-based data center infrastructure firm Tachyon9, marking a significant step in global AI infrastructure deployment. The agreement brings together Robo.ai’s AI-focused technology platform and Tachyon9’s experience in advanced data center design, according to a company announcement released Tuesday.
Under the deal, Robo.ai’s wholly owned subsidiary, Robo.ai Investments L.L.C.-FZ, entered into a definitive joint venture agreement with Tachyon9. The venture will be majority owned by Robo.ai and will focus on the development and operation of high-performance AI data centers across the United Arab Emirates, as well as other priority international markets.
First Project Targets 20 MW AI Data Center
As an initial move, the joint venture has identified its first flagship project. A 20-megawatt AI data center is planned for deployment in either the Asia-Pacific or Middle East and North Africa region. The facility is expected to become operational within 12 to 24 months following site acquisition.
The data center has been designed to support large language model training and other mission-critical AI workloads. Moreover, the project is being positioned to meet the growing demand for low-latency and high-density compute infrastructure in emerging AI hubs.
Hardware and Infrastructure Brought Together
The announcement follows Robo.ai’s recent agreement with The Ghazi Group, under which advanced CPUs, GPUs, and AI inferencing hardware are being supplied through a Gold Reseller arrangement. With this new joint venture, those hardware assets are expected to be deployed within purpose-built facilities operated by the JV.
As a result, a tighter integration between compute hardware and physical infrastructure is being achieved. This approach is intended to improve cost efficiency while maintaining service reliability for enterprise and government clients.
Shahal Khan, executive chairman of Tachyon9, said the partnership comes as edge-based AI data centers gain momentum worldwide. According to Khan, the global market for such facilities is projected to exceed $50 billion by the end of the decade, with the Middle East and Asia accounting for a growing share.
Meanwhile, Robo.ai CEO Benjamin Zhai described the joint venture as a critical milestone for the company’s infrastructure strategy. Access to both advanced chips and specialized facilities has now been secured, he said, which positions the company to operate more effectively amid global capacity constraints.
Addressing a Growing Infrastructure Bottleneck
The joint venture is being formed against the backdrop of what industry executives describe as a major infrastructure shortfall. The global gap in AI-ready digital infrastructure has been estimated at roughly $200 billion. At the same time, grid connection delays and rising thermal loads from next-generation GPUs have intensified deployment challenges.
To respond, the JV will focus on near-term solutions that can be implemented without extensive new grid investments. This segment of the market is projected to reach between $16 billion and $25 billion globally by 2026.
Focus on Cooling, Edge, and Capital Efficiency
Several technical strategies are being prioritized. Liquid cooling retrofits, including direct-to-chip and rear-door heat exchanger systems, will be deployed to increase rack density in existing facilities. In addition, prefabricated edge micro data centers are expected to support applications tied to 5G and autonomous systems.
At the same time, an equipment-as-a-service model is being adopted to improve capital efficiency. Initial capital expenditures could be reduced significantly under this structure, according to company estimates.
APAC and MENA Seen as Core Growth Markets
Looking ahead, the joint venture is targeting a large addressable market across APAC and MENA. Government-led digital transformation programs, including smart city initiatives and national AI strategies, are expected to drive sustained demand.
Robo.ai estimates that these regions could account for 30 to 40 percent of global demand for advanced AI infrastructure solutions. Consequently, an immediate regional market opportunity valued between $6 billion and $10 billion has been identified.
