TII and Qualcomm Bet on Edge AI to Move Autonomous Systems Out of the Lab
The partnership brings together TII’s research expertise in robotics and autonomous systems with Qualcomm’s edge-computing platforms.
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The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council, has announced a collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., to advance edge AI capabilities for autonomous robotics and intelligent systems. The partnership brings together TII’s research expertise in robotics and autonomous systems with Qualcomm’s edge-computing platforms.
At the core of the collaboration is the use of edge AI architectures that enable real-time data processing directly on devices, reducing dependence on continuous cloud connectivity. For autonomous robots, drones, and vehicles operating in complex or remote environments, this capability is critical. By processing sensor data locally, systems can perceive their surroundings, make immediate decisions, and respond to unpredictable conditions with lower latency and greater reliability.
The collaboration will explore applications across sectors where autonomy and real-time decision-making can deliver tangible operational benefits, including energy, mining, construction, and smart cities. These are environments where connectivity may be inconsistent and where safety, efficiency, and environmental monitoring are high priorities.
As part of the initiative, TII plans to evaluate Qualcomm’s Dragonwing IQ9 and IQ10 Series platforms within its robotics and autonomous systems research. These compact chipsets integrate AI acceleration, computer vision, sensor processing, and connectivity. They are increasingly being adapted from mobile and edge devices for use in autonomous platforms operating in dynamic conditions.
Beyond ground-based systems, the research will also cover a range of autonomous form factors, including humanoid robots designed for safe interaction in human environments, as well as coordinated aerial systems capable of indoor navigation and outdoor missions such as inspection, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring.
