Dubai Future Foundation and autonomous vehicle technology company Oxa have launched a joint venture to develop and deploy driverless logistics systems across the emirate’s ports, airports and industrial sites.
The venture, named SHIFFT, will operate the Autonomous Logistics Future Lab as a platform for testing, validating and commercialising technologies designed to automate the movement of goods and industrial equipment. Its first commercial deployment in Dubai is planned before the end of 2027.
Launched under the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation Ecosystem, the lab will initially concentrate on autonomous vehicle operations at ports and airports, where predictable routes, controlled environments and high cargo volumes offer practical conditions for large-scale automation.
SHIFFT will combine self-driving software, specialised vehicle hardware, cloud-based fleet management and workplace data systems. The integrated platform is expected to support autonomous operations while collecting and analysing information on vehicle movements, asset use and operational performance.
The approach is intended to move autonomous logistics beyond isolated vehicle trials. Developers aim to create systems capable of working across an entire industrial site, connecting vehicles with fleet-control software and existing logistics platforms.
Existing industrial vehicles and equipment could be retrofitted with modular autonomy hardware rather than replaced with purpose-built machines. This could lower the cost of adoption for port operators, airport authorities, warehouse owners and other companies managing large vehicle fleets.
Oxa’s technology is designed for industrial vehicles operating in ports, airports, yards and other controlled locations. Its software can be configured for different vehicle types, while its fleet-management systems can connect with third-party logistics networks.
Paul Newman, founder and chief executive of Oxa, said the partnership would accelerate the commercial deployment of industrial mobile autonomy and improve the efficiency, reliability and safety of vehicle fleets.
Khalifa Al Qama, chief of Dubai’s RDI Ecosystem, said the lab would turn emerging technologies into practical applications capable of generating economic and operational benefits.
The venture forms part of Dubai’s wider effort to establish itself as a global centre for logistics, research and advanced technology. The emirate is seeking to increase the contribution of innovation-led sectors while strengthening its position as a trade gateway linking Asia, Africa and Europe.
SHIFFT is also expected to support the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy during the decade to 2033 and raise the value of foreign trade by expanding links with cities worldwide.
Ports and airports are central to those ambitions. Dubai operates some of the region’s busiest cargo and passenger hubs, while its logistics sector supports aviation, maritime trade, e-commerce, manufacturing and the re-export business.
Autonomous logistics systems could help operators address rising cargo volumes, labour constraints and pressure to shorten delivery times. Continuous vehicle operations may also improve asset utilisation and reduce delays caused by shift changes or workforce availability.
Safety will remain a critical part of the programme. Industrial locations contain workers, heavy machinery, loading equipment and vehicles moving through confined spaces. Autonomous systems must therefore detect obstacles, respond to changing conditions and operate within tightly defined safety procedures.
The lab will allow developers to test the technology in environments reflecting Dubai’s climate and industrial conditions. High temperatures, dust, glare and intensive vehicle use can affect sensors, cameras, computing equipment and other autonomous-driving components.
Commercial deployment will also require clear rules governing liability, cybersecurity, maintenance, data ownership and human oversight. Operators will need procedures for handling software faults, connectivity disruptions and unexpected activity within autonomous work zones.
Dubai has been expanding trials and partnerships across driverless taxis, heavy transport and other autonomous mobility services. Its autonomous transportation strategy targets converting 25 per cent of all journeys in the emirate to autonomous modes by 2030.
The strategy is projected to generate Dh22 billion in annual economic benefits through lower transport costs, fewer accidents, reduced emissions and improved productivity. Authorities expect automation to cut transportation costs by 44 per cent and reduce accidents and carbon emissions by 12 per cent.
The SHIFFT venture extends that policy into industrial logistics, where autonomous technology may reach commercial scale sooner than on public roads. Ports, airports and warehouses provide more controlled operating areas, allowing vehicles to follow designated routes with limited interaction with general traffic.
Related Posts
Add A Comment