Root4AI to fast-track autonomous systems

New initiative to create $53 million autonomous technology cluster

Autonomous mobility in the city (Image credit: Carrington Malin via musavir.ai)

#UAE #deeptech - Abu Dhabi-based deep tech venture studio DeepMinds and UK-based technology development lab TTP, are to jointly develop a new technology platform to fast-track the development and rapid deployment of autonomous systems and related artificial intelligence models. Called Root4AI, the platform will connect development clusters in the Middle East and North Africa with TTP's process, expertise and its ecosystem of 300 scientists and engineers. It will also build design and development capability in Abu Dhabi.

SO WHAT? Despite the GCC's (Gulf Cooperation Council) appetite for cutting edge technology, the region's deep tech ecosystems remain underdeveloped. However, a number of new initiatives have been launched over the past year to help create and extend deep tech ecosystems in the Gulf region. The moves are reflective of the increased importance that GCC governments now place on developing intellectual property locally, and building the capacity to manufacture at home.

Key details:

• A joint initiative of DeepMinds and TTP, Root4AI will focus on rapid development of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence for deployment and commercialisation in industries ranging from unmanned aircraft, eVTOL, autonomous farming, construction equipment, and Industry 4.0.

• Root4AI will bring together cutting-edge technologies such as sensing, AI edge processing and RF communication to create technology to serve multiple vertical autonomous applications.

• DeepMinds and TTP aim to localise these technologies in the region with strategic partners, and mobilise an investment of AED 194 million ($52.8m) over the next 5 years to fund a regional autonomous technology cluster.

• Launched in October last year, DeepMinds is a venture studio that is building clusters of successful deep tech ventures that help bolster technology transfer, optimise R&D and the commercialisation of intellectual property (IP), and catalyse deep tech business expansion across the MENA region.

• TTP is a Cambridge-based technology development lab with a 30-year track record of conceptualised, developed, and commercialised technologies across industries like automotive, healthcare, and telecommunications.

• TTP has a team of over 300 engineers, scientists, and developers, with state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing facilities in Cambridge.

• TTP creates competitive advantage in solving complex problems with breakthrough technology, managing the whole lifecycle of technology development from problem discovery, to development, and through to commercialisation.

• Root4AI's autonomous technology development platform will operate from Abu Dhabi and serve the MENA region, together with partners from around the world.

ZOOM OUT - After several years of ad hoc autonomous tests and trials, the GCC region is now focusing on long term strategic plans for autonomous and unmanned transport across air, land and sea. Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have autonomous road vehicle trials with plans to create public services on a large scale. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi announced SAVI last October, a Smart & Autonomous Vehicle Industry cluster that has a growing list of commitments from global manufacturers of autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, autonomous aircraft and electric aircraft to locate in the cluster. Root4AI therefore, will not only be strategically located in Abu Dhabi's growing R&D ecosystem, but also in close proximity to a concentration of commercialised autonomous system providers.

IMO - Since deep tech has only recently become a focus for GCC governments, the deep tech ecosystem is not a very robust one. Therefore the creation of Root4AI and other technology development initiatives are much needed, not only to help create a critical mass of researchers, developers and entrepreneurs, but also to bring global expertise and collaborative opportunities in key technologies to help accelerate local design and development capabilities across the region.

• Abu Dhabi confirms anchor deals for SAVI (Middle East AI News)

• DeepMinds to build deep tech clusters (Middle East AI News)

• Abu Dhabi announces new smart mobility cluster (Middle East AI News)