UAE Unveils AI-Powered Ground Robot for Military and Security Operations.

Abu Dhabi-based Space42 unveiled a new AI-enabled Unmanned Ground Vehicle at UMEX 2026, marking its first international debut. The system highlights the UAE’s push to develop sovereign land robotics for military, security, and emergency missions in harsh and contested environments.

Abu Dhabi’s fast-rising defense technology sector took a decisive step forward at UMEX 2026 with the international unveiling of a new-generation AI-enabled Unmanned Ground Vehicle developed by Emirati firm Space42. Displayed publicly for the first time at the unmanned systems exhibition, the autonomous platform underscores a broader UAE strategy to field domestically designed land robotics capable of operating across extreme climates, urban terrain, and high-risk operational zones, according to officials familiar with the program.
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The newly unveiled AI-powered Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) on display at the Space42 booth during UMEX 2026 in Abu Dhabi, showcasing its advanced sensor suite, rugged all-terrain chassis, and Satcom control antenna system designed for autonomous military and security missions. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

What distinguishes the Space42 UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) from typical tactical ground robots is its highly integrated design philosophy, which merges mechanical resilience with onboard artificial intelligence, satellite communications, and long-range, real-time data transmission. The system’s mechanical dimensions speak to its battlefield robustness: measuring 2,009 mm in length, 1,442 mm in width, and 1,234 mm in height, the UGV has an operational weight of 426 kg and can carry payloads up to 300 kg. Its 114 mm ground clearance and ability to manage slopes up to 25 degrees enable operations across rugged, off-road, and debris-laden terrain.

At the heart of the UGV’s propulsion system lies a high-efficiency 3-kilowatt brushless DC motor delivering 90 Nm of torque through a 48V powertrain, supported by a secondary 1 kW motor delivering 10 Nm at 20 rad/s. This allows the vehicle to operate at variable speeds between 10 and 80 km/h, depending on mission needs. Energy is stored in a high-performance LiFePO₄ 48V battery that offers up to 8 hours of autonomous operation and recharges fully in 4 hours, ensuring continuous field use without prolonged downtime.

In terms of sensory capability, the UGV is equipped with a precision-grade sensor suite that provides ±3 cm positional accuracy at 100 meters, with a 75-degree horizontal and 45-degree vertical field of view. These specifications are critical for reconnaissance, mapping, and real-time navigation, especially in GPS-compromised zones. The onboard imaging package is anchored by a 2.811-inch CMOS sensor offering a 2.0 MP resolution and a 30x zoom range (4.5-135 mm), integrated with IR LED illuminators covering 80 to 40 meters for low-light and night operations. Digital Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) enhances visual clarity across variable lighting conditions, making the system suitable for urban surveillance, border patrol, and subterranean inspections.

A standout technical feature is the vehicle’s onboard processing unit, which is built around a dual-architecture processor system. It includes both an ARM Cortex M4/M7 processor running a Safe RTDS operating system and a high-performance 8-core Cortex-A78AE AI engine delivering an impressive 200 trillion operations per second (TOPS). This AI module supports real-time target identification, object classification, autonomous navigation, and dynamic decision-making, making the UGV adaptable for autonomous or semi-autonomous missions in complex operational environments.

In the context of modern military and security operations, this UGV is designed to fill critical capability gaps in contested or high-risk environments where human exposure would be too dangerous or inefficient. For reconnaissance and surveillance, the platform can operate fully autonomously, patrolling perimeters, urban districts, or open desert with real-time camera feeds streamed via Satcom to centralized command posts. This enables persistent ISR even in remote or GPS-denied areas, where conventional surveillance assets are limited by range or risk exposure.

During explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) missions, the UGV can be remotely deployed to approach, inspect, and assist in the neutralization of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or unexploded ordnance, reducing the need to risk EOD personnel. Its high-precision mobility and robust communications suite ensure uninterrupted data relay and control, even in electronic warfare environments.

For logistics support, the UGV’s 300 kg payload capacity makes it ideal for resupplying frontline units in hazardous zones. Whether transporting ammunition, medical supplies, or specialized tools, it can autonomously navigate terrain under fire or in NBC-contaminated areas, reducing reliance on manned convoys and increasing operational tempo.

Furthermore, the triple-mode connectivity via LTE, GSM, and Satcom makes the Space42 UGV uniquely suited for today’s multi-domain battlefield, where flexible and secure communications are essential. The ability to livestream camera feeds via satellite further enhances situational awareness and provides commanders with actionable intelligence in real time.

In short, this platform is not just another robot - it is a force multiplier. Designed to perform the dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks with autonomy, endurance, and intelligence, the Space42 UGV represents a paradigm shift in how Middle Eastern nations approach battlefield automation. Its arrival could signal a broader realignment in unmanned ground warfare, with the UAE now positioned as a serious developer and future exporter of AI-enabled ground systems.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.