The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), under the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has successfully completed a trial for drone-based parcel delivery in collaboration with LODD Autonomous, a UAE-based aviation technology firm. The test marks a significant step in Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a global hub for smart mobility and autonomous logistics.
The trial involved a drone equipped with a robotic arm transporting a parcel from Al Samha to KIZAD, guided by an advanced navigation system that ensured precision and efficiency. The initiative aligns with the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council’s (SASC) strategy to integrate cutting-edge technologies into the emirate’s transport infrastructure.
LODD Autonomous also unveiled its flagship hybrid VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) cargo drone, Hili, designed to carry up to 250 kilograms over 300 kilometers. The aircraft combines electric motors with an internal combustion engine, enabling it to operate without traditional airport infrastructure.
Set for commercial deployment in late 2026, Hili is expected to transform middle-mile logistics by offering faster, more cost-effective, and sustainable delivery solutions. The drone can reach speeds of up to 180 km/h and is capable of intercity transport between hubs like Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the ITC, emphasized the strategic importance of the project: “The use of drones for delivery reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to adopting the latest global innovations in transport and logistics.”
Rashed Matar Al Manai, CEO of LODD Autonomous, added, “With drones, parcels can be delivered within hours instead of days, addressing the growing demand for rapid, efficient logistics amid the e-commerce boom.”
The ITC also manages drone operations through the Unified National Platform for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), ensuring regulatory compliance, safety, and airspace protection.
As the UAE positions itself at the forefront of aerial logistics innovation, the successful trial underscores the nation’s broader vision to integrate autonomous systems into its economic and infrastructure development.
–Input WAM
