The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC), the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), and ASPIRE have launched a new Proof of Concept (PoC) project to develop and validate autonomous aerial patrolling and monitoring capabilities for critical infrastructure
Under the agreement, ENEC, working in partnership with TII and supported by ASPIRE, will develop and test advanced drone and aerial robotics systems for perimeter patrolling in a live operational environment. The project will assess system performance, operational reliability, and readiness for scale-up, while establishing a clear pathway toward future commercial deployment.
By validating these capabilities in an operational setting, the project, which is being conducted within ENEC’s established safety and security frameworks, aims to support ENEC in enhancing security and overall resilience. It also highlights Abu Dhabi’s leadership in applying advanced autonomy and robotics to enhance the security, resilience, and safety of nationally strategic assets.
His Excellency Mohamed Al Hammadi, managing director and group chief executive officer of ENEC, said, “Safeguarding critical infrastructure requires solutions that are not only innovative, but 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.”
“Autonomous aerial systems have reached a level of maturity where they can meaningfully enhance the safety of complex environments,” said Dr. Najwa Aaraj, chief executive officer of TII. “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.”
Stephane Timpano, chief executive officer of ASPIRE further commented that the POC is not just about testing technology, but also creates a clear bridge from R&D to deployment and commercialisation.
