TII's Secure Systems Research Center (SSRC) has joined Dronecode, a Linux Foundation non-profit, to enhance UAV security. SSRC will contribute to Dronecode's Security SIG, focusing on cryptography, memory protection, and code analysis for the Pixhawk autopilot hardware and PX4 software. SSRC aims to develop and share security and resilience capabilities for the open UAV platform. Why it matters: This partnership enhances the security of drone systems, addressing potential privacy, cybersecurity, and safety threats in line with the UAE's focus on secure autonomous systems.
TII's Secure Systems Research Center in Abu Dhabi has integrated a secure PX4 stack into a RISC-V based drone, marking a milestone in making RISC-V UAV systems a reality. The center ported DroneCode's PX4 open source software to RISC-V using a commercially available RISC-V development platform. SSRC aims to improve the security and resilience of the PX4 flight control software and NuttX real-time OS, contributing modifications back to the open-source community. Why it matters: This achievement enhances TII's position in drone and autonomous systems research, contributing to safer and more efficient smart city applications in the region.
TII's Secure Systems Research Center (SSRC) is partnering with Khalifa University, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University of Bologna, University of Waterloo, and McMaster University to develop a RISC-V-based secure flight computer system. The project aims to create an open RISC-V-based System on a Chip (SoC) architecture and software stack for secure application processors in drone flight computers. The collaboration seeks to improve performance, efficiency, reliability, and security relative to current commercial flight computer systems. Why it matters: This international collaboration strengthens the UAE's position in advanced hardware and software co-design for critical applications like drone technology, while also fostering local expertise through partnerships with UAE universities.
TII's Secure Systems Research Center (SSRC) has partnered with Purdue University on a three-year cybersecurity project focused on ensuring the safe and efficient use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in urban environments. The collaboration will study security and resilience in cyber-physical and autonomous systems, addressing vulnerabilities in communication, navigation, and command and control. The project includes four phases: modeling and analysis of UAS security, developing algorithms for high-assurance autonomy, constructing an experimental environment, and testing mitigation strategies. Why it matters: The partnership enhances the UAE's capabilities in securing critical digital systems and fosters the growth of commercial autonomous drones and robots, opening new opportunities for enterprises.
TII's Secure Systems Research Center (SSRC) in Abu Dhabi has launched a motion capture (MOCAP) facility for testing drones in augmented reality, the first such facility outside the US. SSRC's MOCAP facility will simulate environments like Abu Dhabi city to enable high-precision ground truth for experiments. The facility will allow the modelling and operation of a cloud-based secure autonomous system of drones. Why it matters: This positions the UAE as a leader in drone security research, enabling advanced testing and development of secure drone systems for various critical applications.