Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and NVIDIA have set up the region’s first joint lab focused on both AI and robotics under the NVIDIA AI Technology Center (NVAITC) banner. The lab will combine TII’s robotics platforms with NVIDIA’s accelerated computing to build embodied AI, humanoids, and real-time robotic systems for real-world use. Announced on 22 September 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
What this lab is—and why it matters
The TII-NVAITC Joint Lab is the first of its kind in the Middle East. It targets applied AI research with an emphasis on robots that can sense, plan, and act.
First NVAITC lab in the Middle East
Focus on embodied AI, humanoid stacks, and real-time control
Work includes scaling robotic learning and integrating large language models such as TII’s Falcon family
Aims to translate research into practical deployments in the UAE and beyond
This is not a branding exercise. TII brings modular robotic platforms and field-tested parts, while NVIDIA contributes hardware, software stacks and know-how in accelerated computing. The goal is to reduce the gap between models in the cloud and robots on the floor. Expect efforts across perception, control and language—key pieces for robots that work in messy, human spaces.
Related reading on Tbreak: NVIDIA’s latest platform news from Gamescom 2025 helps frame the GPU roadmap powering this research. And if you want to see RTX-driven AI in Dubai, check our report from the Museum of the Future showcase.
Who’s involved and what they said
The agreement was signed at TII HQ by Dr Najwa Aaraj (CEO, TII) and Marc Domenech (Regional Director, Enterprise – META, NVIDIA), with senior leaders from ATRC and NVIDIA attending. NVIDIA’s Carlo Ruiz said the lab expands the NVAITC network into robotics in the region.
TII: Dr Najwa Aaraj (CEO)
ATRC: H.E. Shahab Abu Shahab; H.E. Abdulaziz Al Dosari
NVIDIA: Marc Domenech; John Josephakis; Simon See; Carlo Ruiz
TII’s message is clear: pair robotics hardware and platforms with scaled AI models and compute. The lab aligns with Abu Dhabi’s push on AI sovereignty and the UAE’s growing role in global AI and robotics. It also fits the country’s recent public-private moves in AI infrastructure and talent.
Context on UAE AI momentum: Our coverage of Hub71’s AI-heavy cohort shows how the capital is courting startups in this space. For a broader consumer view, see Deloitte’s Digital Consumer Trends in the UAE and KSA.
What research comes next
The lab’s brief is wide: robotic learning at scale, control, perception, and integrating LLMs—including TII’s Falcon models—into robots. Expect work on hardware tuned for low-latency, on-device decisions.
Embodied AI models and humanoid stacks
Scaled robotic learning and control
Real-time systems on NVIDIA accelerated platforms
Integrations with Falcon family LLMs from TII
That last point matters for the UAE. Local large models can bring language, privacy and latency advantages. Combined with NVIDIA’s toolchains, you get a cleaner path from dataset to deployment. The lab also plans open-source activity and cross-centre knowledge sharing across the global NVAITC network—useful for teams in academia and industry here.
See it in the wild: From autonomous robocars in Dubai using NVIDIA compute to smart-city AI partnerships, the UAE is already testing AI-driven systems in the field.
What it means for the UAE audience
For local developers, this creates a new hub to work on robotics with access to serious compute and real hardware. For enterprises, it signals a faster route to pilots in logistics, inspection, public services, and mobility.
UAE-based R&D with potential internships and collaborations
Faster proof-of-concepts using TII platforms and NVIDIA stacks
Potential for Arabic-first experiences via Falcon models
Opportunities around events like GITEX and ecosystem hubs such as Hub71
If you’re in the UAE, keep an eye on calls for programmes or demos aligned to major tech weeks. And if you’re a gamer or creator, the trickle-down is familiar: advances in GPUs and SDKs for robotics often land in RTX features and cloud gaming—topics we cover often, like DLSS 4 and GeForce NOW updates.
How to follow and engage
TII says the lab will back open innovation and global knowledge exchange. The Institute has nine research centres spanning areas from autonomous robotics to quantum and secure systems. For official updates, head to tii.ae.
Open research and cross-network collaboration
Use of TII modular robots, arms and “delivery dogs”
Contact details and organisation info provided in the announcement
More on TII’s centres and mandate at tii.ae
Expect workshops, shared code, and joint projects across the NVAITC network. That should help researchers in the UAE plug into global efforts, while keeping the work anchored in local needs and conditions—think heat, dust, language, and regulation.
What is the TII-NVAITC Joint Lab?
A new research lab in Abu Dhabi focused on AI and robotics, created by TII and NVIDIA under the NVAITC programme—the first such lab in the Middle East.
What will the lab work on first?
Embodied AI, humanoid stacks, robotic learning and control at scale, and integrating large language models like TII’s Falcon family into real-time robotic systems.
Why set this up in Abu Dhabi?
It aligns with the emirate’s strategy to develop applied AI and robotics at home, building talent and capabilities while contributing to the global ecosystem.