Abu Dhabi to further autonomous driving, metaverse development

A new agreement will see innovation in the mobility sector and bridge crossroads between physical and virtual reality, and esports in Abu Dhabi.

The agreement was signed between Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala) and Roborace, the world’s first global leader for full-size electric-powered autonomous racecars.

Under the terms, ADIO, Mubadala and Roborace will explore the development of products based on autonomous technologies and Roborace metaverse infrastructure to facilitate faster and broader adoption of autonomous vehicle technology.

Sustainability will be given importance, according to a national media WAM report.

Additionally, Roborace will review the opportunity to establish its regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi, and consider the operation of upcoming seasons of its autonomous racing series from and in Abu Dhabi.

ADIO, Mubadala and Roborace are actively contributing to the UAE’s fourth Industrial Revolution goals by viewing artificial intelligence and the intersection of physical and virtual reality as the backbone of future industries.

Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) is providing access to Yas Marina Circuit and its facilities, while Twofour54 will be used for technology and content production.

Markus Thomas, Head of Investments, ADIO, said that the partnership is “fully aligned with Abu Dhabi’s approach to innovation and the emirate’s technology-related ambitions.”

The metaverse is expected to advance Abu Dhabi’s gaming agenda while building an access point for a global audience and automotive OEMs alike, according to the ADIO official.

Roborace is exhibiting one of its autonomous racing cars, and the Guinness World Records Fastest Autonomous Car in the world – Robocar – at the FutrWorld event on Saturday at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi.