Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), in collaboration with global autonomous vehicle technology company Oxa, has announced the launch of the Autonomous Logistics Future Lab in Dubai through a joint venture named SHIFFT. The initiative is designed to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation autonomous logistics solutions, reinforcing Dubai’s global leadership in intelligent logistics services.
Powered by Dubai’s RDI Ecosystem
The new lab operates under the umbrella of the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Ecosystem, serving as a dynamic platform for developing, testing, and validating cutting-edge autonomous logistics technologies.
Through SHIFFT, emerging innovations will be transformed into commercially viable solutions, unlocking new opportunities to enhance productivity, strengthen operational resilience, and generate sustainable economic value across logistics sectors.
Supporting Dubai Economic Agenda D33
The initiative aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), particularly the ambition to double Dubai’s foreign trade by 2033.
SHIFFT will integrate advanced autonomous driving technologies into a fully connected logistics platform that combines autonomous operations with real-time data collection, analysis, and operational intelligence—enabling seamless end-to-end deployment across industrial environments.
Focus on Ports and Airports
In its first phase, the Autonomous Logistics Future Lab will focus on the development and deployment of autonomous vehicle solutions within ports and airports, two of the most critical logistics hubs.
The partners aim to achieve the first commercial deployment of these solutions in Dubai before the end of 2027, marking a major milestone in the evolution of smart logistics.
Leadership Insights on the Initiative
Khalifa Al Qama, Chief of Dubai’s RDI Ecosystem, emphasized that the lab will play a key role in developing intelligent logistics solutions that create economic opportunities while accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies and their real-world applications.
He noted that the initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to transforming promising innovations into practical solutions with measurable economic and operational impact.
Paul Newman, Founder and CEO of Oxa, highlighted that the joint venture will fast-track the development and commercial rollout of industrial mobile autonomy technologies, delivering higher levels of efficiency, reliability, and safety for operators of industrial vehicle fleets.
Advanced Technologies Driving the Lab
SHIFFT will leverage a comprehensive suite of advanced technologies, including:
Configurable autonomous driving software
Cloud-based fleet management systems
Specialized autonomy hardware compatible with existing industrial vehicles
These integrated solutions are designed to enable scalable deployment across diverse logistics environments, supporting the transition toward fully autonomous operations.
Dubai Strengthens Its Innovation Ecosystem
The Dubai RDI Ecosystem, established under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, provides a unified framework for advancing research, development, and innovation initiatives across the emirate.
It supports both government and private sector entities in creating breakthrough, technology-driven solutions, further cementing Dubai’s position as a regional and global hub for innovation and future industries.
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