SteerAI Unveils XRift, A Fully Autonomous Offroad Vehicle For Multi-mission Deployments At UMEX 2026

SteerAI, a venture within the Advanced Technology Research Council ecosystem, has introduced xRift, a fully autonomous offroad vehicle built for demanding Gulf terrain. The platform was unveiled at the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference, with backing from the UAE’s Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, targeting defence and industrial users that require flexible, driverless ground systems.

The vehicle operates on SteerAI’s CoreX autonomous driving system, which combines modular hardware with an AI software stack. CoreX applies navigation, perception, localisation and decision-making tools to guide vehicles through deserts and rocky ground. The system is vehicle-agnostic, enabling integration across mixed fleets and limiting driver exposure to hazardous environments.

xRift differs from standard offroad platforms through its multi-mission design and absence of a passenger cab. A flat utility deck carries payloads up to 500 kg, supporting interchangeable mission packages. Options include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment, weapons systems and logistics loads that can be transported over unmapped, rugged routes without human drivers.

Michael Sonderby, Acting CEO of SteerAI, said, "xRift represents a new generation of high-performance autonomous offroad solution that is reliable, scalable, and customizable to end users’ exact operational needs. Its versatility and durability set it apart. The same platform can support a wide range of missions, including supply runs, field applications, or surveillance without human control. It’s a system built for endurance and assurance in the harshest conditions."

Reda Nidhakou, the CEO of VentureOne, SteerAI’s parent company, commented, "xRift fills a crucial gap in the market for flexible, field-ready autonomy that’s built for the region. It shows how local innovation can meet the operational realities of the defense and logistics sectors, delivering autonomy that’s robust and ready for deployment, both here and abroad."

Compared with many offroad vehicles that support limited tasks, xRift is configured for varied missions. The platform is designed for precision movement and repeatable performance in harsh Gulf environments, while operating without direct human control. Its architecture aims to support sustained operations in locations that lack mapped routes or stable communications coverage.

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xRift’s core technology originated at Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute, where specialists developed the underlying autonomy systems. SteerAI’s engineering team then worked with Technology Innovation Institute and industry partners over the past year to industrialise the platform. Production units are planned to be ready for operational deployment by the end of 2026.

SteerAI xRift autonomous offroad vehicle market context and regional outlook

The launch at the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference, described as the world’s largest event for unmanned and autonomous vehicles and systems, places xRift among global solutions in this field. Support from the UAE’s Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and positioning within the Advanced Technology Research Council ecosystem underline a regional drive to develop autonomous land systems suited to Middle East conditions.

xRift and the CoreX system together signal a focus on autonomous logistics and field support for defence and industrial operators. The project highlights local research from Technology Innovation Institute and scaling by SteerAI, combined with a clear deployment timetable through 2026. For business stakeholders, the platform offers a case study in regional autonomy development aimed at export as well as domestic use.

With inputs from WAM