Autonomous Aerial Systems PoC In Abu Dhabi To Enhance Critical Infrastructure Security

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC), the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), and ASPIRE are launching a joint Proof of Concept project to test autonomous aerial systems for guarding vital sites. The work focuses on drone-based patrolling and monitoring of critical infrastructure, using live operations to check performance, reliability, and readiness for broader use.

The partners state that the project supports Abu Dhabi’s wider strategy to apply advanced autonomy, artificial intelligence, and robotics to protect nationally important facilities. The initiative aligns with ENEC’s safety and security frameworks, which require new technologies to be proven under strict conditions before any potential deployment in regular operations.

Under the agreement, ENEC will work with TII, with ASPIRE providing support, to design and trial advanced aerial robotics. These systems are intended to carry out both routine and on-demand perimeter patrols. Testing will take place in a live operational environment, allowing engineers to observe behaviour in real conditions rather than laboratory settings.

The Proof of Concept will examine several aspects of the technology, including its technical capabilities, operational robustness, and capacity to operate at scale. Findings are expected to shape a defined route toward future commercial deployment, should the systems meet ENEC’s safety criteria and deliver consistent performance across different scenarios and security needs.

Stephane Timpano, Chief Executive Officer of ASPIRE, said, "This collaboration reflects ASPIRE’s mission to translate advanced research into deployable, real-world solutions. By anchoring innovation in a genuine operational requirement and validating it in the field, we are helping to build trusted autonomous systems that can be responsibly scaled. This PoC is not just about testing technology; it is about creating a clear bridge from R&D to deployment and commercialisation."

Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Chief Executive Officer of TII, said, "Autonomous aerial systems have reached a level of maturity where they can meaningfully enhance the safety of complex environments. Through this project, we are validating drone-based patrolling technologies under real operational conditions, ensuring they meet the highest standards of robustness, reliability, and security. These insights are essential for scaling such systems across critical infrastructure where performance and trust are paramount."

Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, said, "Safeguarding critical infrastructure requires solutions that are not only innovative but also proven, resilient, and aligned with the highest global standards of safety and security. This proof of concept enables us to assess how advanced autonomous aerial and robotic systems can enhance situational awareness and support faster, more effective responses in a live operational environment. In collaboration with TII and ASPIRE, we are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to maintain the highest levels of safety and operational excellence."

Project leaders explain that testing autonomous drone patrolling within active facilities should help ENEC strengthen site security and resilience. The initiative also supports Abu Dhabi’s role as a centre for applied AI and robotics, by moving research into practical use cases that can later be expanded in a controlled and responsible manner.

With inputs from WAM