Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute and Nvidia have launched a joint research lab in the United Arab Emirates that will focus on developing next-generation AI models and robotics platforms, according to reports.

According to TII, the collaborative research hub is the inaugural Nvidia AI Technology Center in the Middle East, merging its diverse research with the AI models and computational capabilities of the U.S. firm, which are driving a worldwide surge in artificial intelligence.

According to the agreement, the institute can utilize particular edge GPU chips to enhance its research in robotics and other fields, stated Najwa Aaraj, the CEO of TII, which is developing humanoids, quadrupedal robots, and robotic arms.

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Aaraj states that it will be a chip we will use for the first time. It's named the Thor chip, designed to facilitate the development of advanced robotic systems.

TII serves as the applied research division of the Advanced Technology Research Council, a governmental body in Abu Dhabi that contributes to the UAE's ambitions to be a leader in global AI.

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The Gulf nation, a significant oil exporter, has invested billions of dollars in recent years into its AI initiative, aiming to utilize its close ties with the United States to gain access to technology.

In May, during a Gulf visit by US President Donald Trump, the UAE finalized a multi-billion dollar agreement to construct one of the largest data center hubs globally in Abu Dhabi, utilizing U.S. technology, featuring the latest Nvidia chips.

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Nonetheless, the agreement remains uncompleted due to security worries related to the UAE's strong connections with China, as previously reported by Reuters, referencing sources.

Aaraj stated that TII has collaborated closely with the US firm for a while and has been utilizing Nvidia chips to develop its own language models.

 

Conversations regarding the joint lab began approximately a year ago, and the hub will accommodate teams from both sides, Aaraj mentioned, with additional personnel to be recruited specifically for the initiative.