TII and ADSB have launched a Naval Technology Innovation Hub to accelerate naval technology R&D. The hub will focus on autonomy, propulsion, materials, and secure systems, with joint initiatives exploring quantum magnetic sensing, autonomous robotics, and advanced materials. The collaboration aims to transition advanced technologies from concept to deployment, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position in maritime innovation. Why it matters: This partnership signifies a major push towards indigenous development of advanced naval capabilities in the UAE, fostering innovation and reducing reliance on foreign technologies.
ADASI has adopted VentureOne's Perceptra, a GPS-less navigation technology, and Saluki, a high-security flight control technology, both developed by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). These technologies enhance resilience, precision, and security for autonomous aerial operations, addressing vulnerabilities in GPS-dependent systems. The agreement was formalized at IDEX 2025. Why it matters: This deployment of advanced autonomous flight technologies in the UAE strengthens aviation security and positions the region as a leader in resilient, GPS-independent navigation solutions.
TII's DERC, in partnership with Brazilian firm RADAZ, has obtained the first microwave images from their joint project on Airborne Multi-band Interferometric Microwave Imaging (A(MI)2) in Abu Dhabi. The project uses a new multiband Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) operating in P, L, and C frequency bands to generate terrain images. The system, which can be mounted on commercial drones, also integrates Ground Penetrating Radar capability to detect buried objects. Why it matters: This technology enhances remote sensing capabilities in the region, enabling applications in agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, and search and rescue operations.
The UAE has begun mapping air corridors and developing regulations for air taxis and cargo drones, aiming to transform urban transportation. The GCAA and ATRC entities (TII and ASPIRE) are collaborating to define aerial corridors within 20 months. These routes will connect key airports and locations, integrating piloted and autonomous vehicles. Why it matters: The initiative positions the UAE as a leader in advanced air mobility, potentially easing congestion and setting a global benchmark for future urban mobility.
Dassault Aviation, TII, and ASPIRE (both part of ATRC) signed a strategic cooperation agreement at the Dubai Airshow 2025. The collaboration will focus on developing technologies for aerospace and defense, including stealth materials, autonomous sub-systems, AI, and secure communication systems. The partnership aims to deliver homegrown innovations, strengthen the UAE's industrial ecosystem, and expand global export opportunities. Why it matters: This agreement signifies the UAE's commitment to fostering local talent and achieving self-reliance in strategic sectors like aerospace and defense through advanced technology partnerships.
This paper introduces ADR-VINS, a monocular visual-inertial state estimation framework based on an Error-State Kalman Filter (ESKF) designed for autonomous drone racing, integrating direct pixel reprojection errors from gate corners as innovation terms. It also introduces ADR-FGO, an offline Factor-Graph Optimization framework for generating high-fidelity reference trajectories for post-flight evaluation in GNSS-denied environments. Validated on the TII-RATM dataset, ADR-VINS achieved an average RMS translation error of 0.134 m and was successfully deployed in the A2RL Drone Championship Season 2. Why it matters: The framework provides a robust and efficient solution for drone state estimation in challenging racing environments, and enables performance evaluation without relying on external localization systems.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and ASPIRE, in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), are developing an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) regulatory framework. TII is spearheading simulation-based regulatory models for airspace corridors, focusing on wind dynamics and flight safety, with trials underway at three pilot sites in Abu Dhabi. These efforts are laying the groundwork for the safe and scalable integration of autonomous air taxis and delivery drones. Why it matters: This initiative positions the UAE as a global leader in defining the technical and regulatory standards for urban air mobility, fostering innovation and economic growth in the region.