Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research pillar of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has announced a strategic collaboration with US-based Qualcomm Technologies. The partnership aims to accelerate the development of advanced edge-AI and autonomous solutions designed to operate in complex real-world environments.
This collaboration combines TII’s deep research expertise in robotics and autonomous systems with Qualcomm’s industry-leading edge-computing platforms. The goal is to create intelligent systems, such as drones and robots, that can perceive their surroundings, make immediate decisions, and act autonomously without relying on continuous cloud connectivity.
Powering Autonomy at the Edge
The partnership directly addresses a critical challenge in autonomous technology: the dependency on cloud computing. In many industrial environments, such as remote energy facilities, mines, and construction sites, internet connectivity can be unreliable or non-existent. By leveraging on-device data processing, this initiative enables real-time decision-making where it matters most.TII will explore the use of Qualcomm’s edge platforms, including the compact, high-performance Dragonwing IQ9 and IQ10 Series chipsets. These platforms integrate advanced AI models, computer vision, sensor processing, and connectivity, providing the necessary on-device intelligence for systems operating in dynamic settings.
Targeting Key Industrial Sectors
The collaboration will initially explore applications across several key industries poised for autonomous transformation. In the energy, mining, and construction sectors, these intelligent systems can significantly improve operational safety, drive efficiency, and support better environmental outcomes.
The technology also has broad implications for smart city development, where autonomous platforms can manage infrastructure, logistics, environmental services, and public safety with greater adaptability and practicality for wide-scale deployment.
Exploring Next-Generation Robotics
Pushing the boundaries of innovation, TII will investigate new research areas in autonomous systems. This includes the development of sophisticated humanoid robots designed to operate safely alongside people in human environments.
The partnership will also focus on coordinated aerial systems capable of navigating complex indoor spaces and executing outdoor missions, such as search and rescue operations, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring, positioning Abu Dhabi at the forefront of advanced robotics.
About Technology Innovation Institute
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is the dedicated applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). TII operates nine dedicated research centres in advanced materials, autonomous robotics, cryptography, AI and digital science, directed energy, quantum, secure systems, propulsion and space, and renewable and sustainable energy.
Source: Middle East AI News
