Dubai Future Foundation, Oxa Launch Autonomous Logistics Lab

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and autonomous vehicle technology company Oxa have launched the Autonomous Logistics Future Lab in Dubai, an initiative focused on developing, testing and deploying autonomous logistics technologies across industrial environments.

Launched through a joint venture named SHIFFT under Dubai’s Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Ecosystem, the lab aims to accelerate the commercial deployment of next-generation autonomous logistics solutions.

The first phase of the initiative will focus on developing autonomous vehicle solutions for ports and airports, with the partners aiming to launch the first commercial deployment in Dubai before the end of 2027.

“Through this Lab, we aim to develop new intelligent logistics solutions that create economic opportunities while accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies and their practical applications,” Khalifa Al Qama, Chief of Dubai’s RDI Ecosystem, said. “The initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to strengthening its position as a global hub for the future of logistics services by transforming promising technologies into real-world solutions that deliver tangible economic and operational impact.”

SHIFFT will integrate autonomous driving technologies into a logistics platform combining autonomous operations with data collection, analysis and operational intelligence to support end-to-end deployment across industrial environments. The joint venture supports the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), including the goal of doubling Dubai’s foreign trade by 2033.

“This joint venture with Dubai Future Foundation will accelerate the development and commercial deployment of Industrial Mobile Autonomy technologies, enabling new levels of efficiency, reliability and safety for operators of industrial vehicle fleets,” Paul Newman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Oxa, said.

The Dubai RDI Ecosystem was established under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, and chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation. It serves as the framework for Dubai’s research, development and innovation initiatives across government and the private sector.

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