UAE: Next-gen AI-powered drone swarms revolutionise emergency response

The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) in Abu Dhabi, has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in drone technology, enabling swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to collaborate autonomously and self-organise without the need for a central command.

Powered by cutting-edge decentralised AI algorithms developed by TII, these drone swarms can autonomously adjust their formation, behaviour, and decision-making based on shared objectives. They are capable of executing tasks in parallel with unprecedented scalability and operational efficiency.

These intelligent swarms are equipped with real-time responsiveness and decision-making capabilities, making them ideal for a wide range of critical applications—including emergency response, infrastructure monitoring, and environmental protection—alongside numerous commercial and civil use cases.

Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute, stated:
“At TII, we are redefining the concept of collective autonomy, where AI-powered drones operate as decentralised swarms designed to carry out precise, high-impact missions. Unlike conventional systems that rely on pre-programmed paths or centraliced control, our decentralised intelligence enables the swarms to navigate complex environments smoothly, making them perfectly suited for dynamic and mission-critical scenarios.”

Potential applications include disaster response in natural catastrophes or industrial accidents, where swarms can independently prioritise and distribute tasks among themselves. Additionally, they can be deployed for agricultural crop monitoring or to support ecosystem restoration efforts.

One of the key strengths of this technology lies in its resilience: the swarms can continue executing their missions even if some drones fail or lose connectivity—such as during floods or earthquakes—making them significantly more reliable than traditional systems.

TII is currently piloting this technology and working to scale its deployment through partnerships with global industry leaders. The initiative is part of a broader AI-driven governmental ecosystem that ensures ethical and regulatory compliance for AI applications.

Professor Enrico Natalizio, Lead Researcher in Autonomous Robotics at TII, remarked: “With the rise in climate-related disasters and the growing complexity of urban infrastructure, governments increasingly require smarter, faster, and more dependable tools for crisis prevention and response. We believe this drone swarm technology will evolve from a surveillance tool to a vital solution for safeguarding communities.”

Dr. Dario Albani, Senior Director for Autonomous Robotics at TII, added:
“To support real-world operations, we have developed a secure and scalable command-and-control platform that enables operators to manage entire swarms via high-level commands. The platform intelligently oversees execution, reduces operational burden, and ensures continuity even in disconnected environments, making it ideal for high-stakes missions.”

This transformative technology is being commercially advanced by VentureOne, the commercialization arm of ATRC, to serve strategic sectors including public safety, energy, infrastructure, and societal protection agencies.

The Technology Innovation Institute is a globally leading research institution dedicated to advancing knowledge and pioneering practical research. Its multidisciplinary teams of top-tier scientists, researchers, and engineers work within a dynamic environment that fosters creativity and innovation to deliver breakthrough discoveries and transformative technologies.

TII is committed to future-ready innovation that empowers societies and enhances global well-being. It operates under the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), the government entity overseeing technology research in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

As the applied research pillar of ATRC, TII houses 10 specialised research centers focused on critical frontier technologies. These centers cover advanced materials, AI and digital science, autonomous robotics, biotechnology, cryptography, directed energy, propulsion systems, space, quantum science, renewable and sustainable energy, and secure systems.

TII serves as a hub for a diverse community of scientists and engineers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is technologically possible.