Dr. Abdulrahman Albar, a 水果派AVengineering alumnus, is at the forefront of revolutionising the construction industry.
With multiple degrees in electronic and electrical engineering and a PhD in robotics and 3D printing, Dr. Albar leads in redefining how buildings are constructed.
Tell us about your company - what does it specialise in, and what makes it unique?
At Bina Robotics we are on a mission to redefine the construction industry by offering cutting-edge autonomous concrete 3D printing robots for efficient, sustainable, and accessible construction. What sets us apart is our emphasis on using innovative technology, eco-friendly materials and our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of construction. Our technology not only improves efficiency but also opens up new possibilities for creative architectural designs that were previously difficult or impossible to achieve.
What ignited your passion to start your own business? Was there a defining moment or event?
My passion for robotics and sustainable technology really came to life during my PhD at Brunel, where I focused on the intersection of advancing 3D printing and sustainable construction materials. There wasn’t a single defining moment, but rather a series of insights and breakthroughs that made me realise the potential impact this technology could have on the industry - and the environment. The more I learned, the more I knew I wanted to build something that could make a real difference.
What achievements are you most proud of since starting your business?
One of the achievements I’m most proud of is securing our first round of investment, which was a critical milestone in bringing our vision to life.
Winning the 水果派AVVenture Competition was another significant moment, as it not only validated our business concept but also provided the resources we needed to build our MVP. After developing the MVP, our first client interaction with the product was incredibly rewarding - it was the moment we saw our hard work translate into real-world impact.
In what ways did your time at 水果派AVprepare you for the challenges of starting and running a business? Were there any particular experiences, courses, or mentors at 水果派AVthat made a significant impact on you?
水果派AVhas prepared me in many ways, starting with great mentors including Dr Rafiq Swash who has always been a great inspiration for me in business and innovation. Also, Dr Seyed Ghaffar was a great academic mentor who introduced me to the world of sustainable building materials. The 水果派AVEntrepreneur Hub events and team were instrumental in inspiring me to start my business and opening new doors and opportunities.
Can you describe the early days of your business? What were some of the biggest hurdles you had to overcome?
The early days were a mix of excitement and challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was securing initial funding and convincing others that 3D printing could be a game-changer in construction. There were also technical challenges, such as fine-tuning our robotics systems to work with different materials. Persistence and a willingness to adapt were key to overcoming these challenges.
What was your first big success, and how did it shape the direction of your business? Is there a memorable moment from your journey that stands out to you?
Our first big success was completing our initial prototype, which exceeded our performance expectations. This milestone validated our approach and gave us the confidence to pursue larger, more ambitious projects. A memorable moment was seeing our prototype in action for the first time—it was a real turning point that solidified our vision for the company.
How has being an entrepreneur influenced your personal and professional growth?
Being an entrepreneur has pushed me to constantly learn and adapt. It’s taught me resilience, the importance of networking, and how to turn challenges into opportunities. Professionally, I’ve developed a broader skill set, from technical knowledge to business management, which has been crucial in growing robotics. Personally, it’s been incredibly fulfilling to work on something I’m passionate about and see it make a real impact.
What qualities or skills do you think are essential for someone to be a successful entrepreneur?
Persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are absolutely essential. You need to be comfortable with uncertainty and be ready to pivot when things don’t go as planned. Having a strong support network and the ability to communicate your vision clearly are also crucial.
What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates who are thinking about starting their own businesses?
Don’t be afraid to start small and iterate. Your first idea doesn’t have to be perfect - what’s important is that you start. Use the resources available to you at university, whether that’s mentorship, workshops, or networking events. Also, seek feedback early and often, and be open to learning from your mistakes.
Lastly, things rarely go exactly as planned the first time and will always take longer than you think, so being passionate about what you do will definitely help.
What were some of the toughest challenges you faced so far, and how did you overcome them? Can you share a time when you had to be particularly bold or take a significant risk?
One of the toughest challenges was deciding to fully commit to the business after finishing my PhD and working in the industry for 2 years. It felt risky to quit my job and focus on Bina Robotics, but I believed in our vision and knew this was the path I wanted to take. A particularly bold move was when we decided to develop our first large-scale prototype without all the funding in place. It was a significant risk, but it paid off as it allowed us to validate our technology and continue developing it further.
Looking back, is there anything you would do differently in your entrepreneurial journey?
If I could start over, I would focus more on building a robust network early on. Establishing strong connections with industry experts and potential collaborators from the beginning would have accelerated our growth and provided more support during critical phases. I would also have sought out more mentorship early in the process.
What are your future plans for your business and career?
We plan to expand our product offerings, and further develop our technology to make 3D printing accessible for a wider range of construction projects locally and internationally. Personally, I’m excited to continue leading innovation in this space and exploring new ways to make construction more efficient, eco-friendly and accessible.
How does your business contribute to the community, either locally or globally? Are there any community or philanthropic initiatives that your company is involved in?
Bina Robotics is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. We’re exploring partnerships with organisations focused on reducing construction waste and promoting the circular economy.
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Images: Dr Abdulrahman Albar