The Advanced Technology Research Council’s (ATRC) commercialization arm, VentureOne, has introduced SteerAI, an advanced mobility system powered by artificial intelligence that transforms standard industrial vehicles into autonomous powerhouses. Initially targeting the logistics and defense sectors, SteerAI utilizes a hardware kit, software stack, and fleet management system, enabling autonomous ground vehicles to undertake complex missions with high precision and efficiency, thereby saving time and resources while safeguarding human workers. The technology behind SteerAI was developed by experts at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), ATRC’s applied research arm.
Faisal Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President and Secretary General of ATRC, remarked, “The launch of SteerAI is a significant milestone in solidifying the UAE’s leadership in autonomous technology. At ATRC, our vision is to continuously push the boundaries of innovation, and SteerAI exemplifies how we are turning groundbreaking research into real-world solutions that drive tangible impact.”
Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, elaborated, “We have not simply created an autonomous vehicle—we have created an autonomous vehicle’s ‘brain.’ The advanced navigation algorithms work with cutting-edge sensors as part of an efficient, modular system that can operate on any vehicle, and has the potential to transform the way we move.”
Autonomous vehicles powered by SteerAI’s system will operate consistently and accurately between navigation points with minimal downtime. The software stack integrates with corresponding sensors to enable vehicles to respond swiftly to potential hazards, navigate around obstacles, and function seamlessly even in challenging environments and unmapped areas.
In addition to facilitating fully autonomous mobility, SteerAI’s software supports remote fleet management, providing mission planning, monitoring, and data-driven analytics to ensure optimal vehicle deployment and performance. Reda Nidhakou, Acting CEO of VentureOne, stated, “The launch of SteerAI represents a major milestone in our journey of driving positive impact through the use of advanced technologies. The mobility needs in logistics and defense are intense, complex, and costly. Our vehicle-agnostic autonomous system redefines operational efficiency and precision while protecting companies’ most valuable assets—their people. Our mission is to leverage technology to help our partners transform the way they operate.”
SteerAI is the second venture launched by VentureOne, following AI71, which was introduced in November 2023 to create business solutions using TII’s Falcon generative AI models.