Latest news with #LODD
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Abu Dhabi sees first autonomous drone parcel delivery trial by LODD and 7X
Abu Dhabi initiates its first autonomous drone parcel delivery test in Khalifa City. LODD's drone successfully delivered a package from a post office. This trial is part of Abu Dhabi's plan to integrate drones into its transport network. ADIO leads the project with support from LODD and 7X. The goal is a secure aerial delivery framework. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Aviation technology firm LODD has launched Abu Dhabi 's first pilot flight for autonomous drone parcel deliveries. The test took place in Khalifa City, and a drone used a winch system to lower a test package from the air to a designated drop point. The drone took off from a nearby post office, delivering the parcel safely and precisely to its target drone trial is part of a broader strategy to integrate Unmanned Aerial Systems UAS ) into the city's transportation Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is leading the pilot project as part of its Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry cluster. Aviation technology firm LODD and logistics service provider 7X are supporting goal is to build a robust, secure, and innovative framework for aerial delivery services in the test delivery was strictly supervised, with regulatory oversight from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC). Authorities ensured that all safety, airspace, and operational guidelines were Saber Al Hameli, Director of the ITC's Commercial Affairs Department, said the importance of safety and regulatory coordination. He noted that this trial represents a strong example of how public and private sector collaboration can drive progress in advanced mobility to ADIO's Omran Malek, the successful drone delivery highlights the long-term potential of autonomous delivery systems and reinforces Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a hub for innovation and advanced added that such efforts are not just pilot projects, but foundational steps towards building an integrated transport system of the drone delivery system demonstrated in this trial is designed to be scalable. LODD's CEO, Rashid Al Manai, explained that a single operator can monitor and control multiple drones simultaneously, making the system highly efficient for logistics said the company will continue working with regulators to further develop and expand the Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X, said the project aligns with the UAE's national focus on smart mobility and emerging technology. He also noted that the drone system would enhance the speed and reach of the company's logistics arm, EMX, especially in areas that are difficult to access using traditional delivery methods.
Arabian Business
20 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi conducts first autonomous drone parcel delivery trial
Abu Dhabi has completed its first pilot flight for autonomous drone parcel deliveries, marking a development in the emirate's logistics sector. The trial involved aviation technology firm LODD and 7X, the investment holding group overseeing logistics and express delivery provider EMX. Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) provided support for the initiative. 'ADIO is proud to champion the development and rollout of cutting-edge logistics technologies that strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a global innovation hub. This pilot is a powerful example of the kind of local partnerships and forward-thinking strategies that drive long-term economic and infrastructure value for the Emirate,' Omran Malek, Head of the SAVI Cluster at ADIO, said in a statement on Wednesday. الرحلة التجريبية لتوصيل الطرود بطائرة درون، والتي انطلقت من مدينة خليفة إلى نقطة محددة في أبوظبي باستخدام نظام توصيل آمن قائم على طائرات الدرون، أسهمت في التحقق من الكفاءة التشغيلية لهذه المنظومة، بما يرسّخ ريادة أبوظبي في مجال تطوير بنية تحتية لوجستية ذكية ومتطورة ذاتية التشغيل. — مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) June 25, 2025 LODD and 7X complete pilot flight for drone deliveries in Abu Dhabi 'Autonomous drones introduce a transformative layer to urban delivery networks. With one operator able to manage multiple deliveries simultaneously, the system brings a new level of scalability and responsiveness to the logistics chain. We're proud to work with 7X, ADIO, the GCAA, and the Integrated Transport Centre to advance this technology in the UAE,' Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD said. The pilot flight took place in Khalifa City, where a drone transported a simulated package from a local post office to a designated drop zone using a winch-based delivery system. The trial operates under the strategy of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), which aims to develop and adopt smart and integrated mobility solutions in Abu Dhabi with ADIO's support. 'This milestone reflects our continued commitment to pioneering next-generation logistics solutions that align with the UAE's vision for smart mobility. By integrating autonomous aerial technology into EMX's national logistics ecosystem, we are enhancing operational reach and speed, and building a more adaptive, future-ready network capable of meeting the evolving demands of commerce and connectivity,' Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X added. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Integrated Transport Centre provided oversight for the initiative. The programme forms part of ADIO's Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster, which enables smart mobility solutions. The initiative supports Abu Dhabi's efforts to localise production, develop infrastructure, and establish its position as a hub for innovation and industries. LODD and 7X continue to collaborate with regulators and industry partners to refine procedures, ensure regulatory compliance, and gather operational insights to support wider rollout. The collaboration between private partners and regulators aims to refine systems, ensure compliance, and support expansion. The pilot represents the first phase in a strategy to deploy drone-based logistics services across Abu Dhabi. 'Ensuring the safety and security of our airspace remains a top priority for the Integrated Transport Centre. We continue to advance the regulatory frameworks necessary to support the safe and effective integration of unmanned aerial systems into Abu Dhabi's wider transport ecosystem,' Humaid Saber Al Hameli, Director of the Aviation Transport Division at the Integrated Transport Centre said. 'This pilot trial reflects the strength of collaboration between the public and private sectors, and represents a concrete step toward the future of smart aerial mobility in the emirate. We are committed to providing a secure and adaptive regulatory environment that keeps pace with innovation and empowers the adoption of emerging technologies. This enhances Abu Dhabi's global competitiveness and reinforces its position as a leading hub for sustainable mobility and future-focused technologies,' he added.
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
LODD, 7X conduct first parcel delivery trial by drone in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI - The aviation technology firm LODD, and 7X, the investment holding group in trade, transport and logistics, overseeing the logistics and express delivery provider EMX, have launched the first pilot flight for autonomous drone parcel deliveries in Abu Dhabi, marking a qualitative leap in the logistics sector across the emirate. The trial falls under the strategy of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) that, with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)'s support, aims to develop and adopt smart and integrated mobility solutions in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Conducted with oversight from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Integrated Transport Centre, the initiative is part of a wider strategy to enable smart mobility solutions through ADIO's Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster. The initiative supports Abu Dhabi's efforts to localise production, develop future-ready infrastructure, and reinforce its position as a global hub for innovation and advanced industries. Omran Malek, Head of the SAVI Cluster at ADIO, said, 'ADIO is proud to champion the development and rollout of cutting-edge logistics technologies that strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a global innovation hub. This pilot is a powerful example of the kind of local partnerships and forward-thinking strategies that drive long-term economic and infrastructure value for the Emirate.' The first test flight, conducted in Khalifa City, demonstrated the viability of autonomous aerial parcel delivery. A drone transported a simulated package from a local post office to a designated drop zone using a secure winch-based delivery system. Humaid Saber Al Hameli, Director of the Aviation Transport Division at the Integrated Transport Centre, stated, 'Ensuring the safety and security of our airspace remains a top priority for the Integrated Transport Centre. We continue to advance the regulatory frameworks necessary to support the safe and effective integration of unmanned aerial systems into Abu Dhabi's wider transport ecosystem. He added that this pilot trial reflects the strength of collaboration between the public and private sectors, and represents a concrete step toward the future of smart aerial mobility in the emirate. "We are committed to providing a secure and adaptive regulatory environment that keeps pace with innovation and empowers the adoption of emerging technologies. This enhances Abu Dhabi's global competitiveness and reinforces its position as a leading hub for sustainable mobility and future-focused technologies,' Al Hameli continued. Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD, said, 'Autonomous drones introduce a transformative layer to urban delivery networks. With one operator able to manage multiple deliveries simultaneously, the system brings a new level of scalability and responsiveness to the logistics chain.' Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X, noted, 'This milestone reflects our continued commitment to pioneering next-generation logistics solutions that align with the UAE's vision for smart mobility. By integrating autonomous aerial technology into EMX's national logistics ecosystem, we are enhancing operational reach and speed, and building a more adaptive, future-ready network capable of meeting the evolving demands of commerce and connectivity.' The pilot marks the first phase in a broader strategy to deploy drone-based logistics services across Abu Dhabi. With progressive regulation and infrastructure readiness, the emirate is emerging as a leader in autonomous air mobility within the region.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi conducts first drone parcel delivery in trial project
A drone has successfully delivered a parcel in Abu Dhabi for the first time using a winch-based system — as part of a pilot project to accelerate smart and autonomous logistics across the emirate. The landmark trial in Khalifa City integrates unmanned aerial systems into Abu Dhabi's transport ecosystem. The drone delivered a simulated package from a local post office to a drop zone demonstrating the feasibility of urban autonomous aerial delivery. The operation was backed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and conducted by aviation technology firm LODD and logistics holding group 7X. 'Ensuring the safety and security of our airspace remains a top priority,' said Humaid Saber Al Hameli, Director of the Aviation Transport Division at the Integrated Transport Centre. 'This pilot trial reflects the strength of collaboration between the public and private sectors, and represents a concrete step toward the future of smart aerial mobility in the emirate.' The initiative is part of the emirate's broader strategy to enable smart mobility under the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), with support from ADIO's Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster. Regulatory oversight for the test was provided by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Integrated Transport Centre. Omran Malek, Head of the SAVI Cluster at ADIO, said the pilot demonstrated the type of forward-thinking strategies that add long-term economic and infrastructure value to Abu Dhabi. 'ADIO is proud to champion the development and rollout of cutting-edge logistics technologies that strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a global innovation hub,' he said. The pilot reflects growing efforts to localise advanced technology development and reinforce Abu Dhabi's role as a leader in future infrastructure. LODD and 7X say they will continue to work with regulators to fine-tune operational procedures and prepare for wider rollout of drone-based logistics services. 'Autonomous drones introduce a transformative layer to urban delivery networks,' said Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD. 'With one operator able to manage multiple deliveries simultaneously, the system brings a new level of scalability and responsiveness to the logistics chain.' Similarly, Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X, which oversees delivery provider EMX, said the milestone supports the UAE's smart mobility goals. 'By integrating autonomous aerial technology into EMX's national logistics ecosystem, we are enhancing operational reach and speed, and building a more adaptive, future-ready network.' The test flight is the first phase in a broader plan to deploy drone delivery across Abu Dhabi, aligning with regulatory efforts and infrastructure readiness to position the emirate as a regional hub for autonomous air mobility.
The National
a day ago
- Business
- The National
First drone parcel delivery flight takes off in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has launched its first test flight for a cutting-edge drone parcel delivery service, marking a significant step forward in efforts to modernise the emirate's transport network and boost efficiency. The test journey over Khalifa City, announced on Wednesday, involved a drone taking a package from a local post office to a designated drop zone using a secure winch-based delivery system. Such autonomous transport methods aim to reduce costs and cut delivery times, allowing providers to reach more customers by swapping the roads for the skies. The trial was completed under a partnership between Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio), aviation technology company LODD, and 7X, an investment holding group which includes Emirates Post and express delivery provider EMX. Omran Malek, head of the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry at Adio, said: 'Adio is proud to champion the development and roll-out of cutting-edge logistics technologies that strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a global innovation hub. 'This pilot is a powerful example of the kind of local partnerships and forward-thinking strategies that drive long-term economic and infrastructure value for the emirate.' The scheme came under the strategy of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council to harness advanced technology to improve logistics networks and promote smart mobility, with the support of the General Civil Aviation Authority and the Integrated Transport Centre. Work continues to put regulations in place to support the wider commercial use of autonomous air transport services. 'Ensuring the safety and security of our airspace remains a top priority for the Integrated Transport Centre,' said Humaid Saber Al Hameli, director of the Aviation Transport Division at the Integrated Transport Centre. 'We continue to advance the regulatory frameworks necessary to support the safe and effective integration of unmanned aerial systems into Abu Dhabi's wider transport ecosystem.' Rashid Al Manai, chief executive of LODD, said using drones allows an operator to carry out several deliveries simultaneously. Transport plans take flight In December, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, launched a drone delivery service in the emirate. Keeta Drone, a subsidiary of Chinese technology and retail company Meituan, has been awarded a licence by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) to deliver food and medicine across Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) during the first phase of the project. Sheikh Hamdan became the first person to make an order through the platform from the Rochester Institute of Technology-Dubai, one of the landing points within DSO's drone delivery network. The drones have a height ceiling of 100 metres and a range of 3km, with a top speed of 22 metres per second. 'The future of robotic technologies and self-driving systems for retail services, and knowledge-based economic applications, innovation, digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence have all become a reality in Dubai,' said Sheikh Hamdan at the time. The sky is the limit The UAE is pressing ahead with ambitious transport plans, including drones, driverless taxis and air taxis. Test flights for self-flying air taxis were held in the UAE capital this month, in what was hailed by Abu Dhabi Media Office as a 'pivotal step towards integrating urban air mobility into everyday life'. The flights were organised by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and ADIO, in collaboration with Chinese drone manufacturer EHang and FinTech group Multi Level Group. In March, US air taxi company Archer Aviation said it was working towards launching a fleet of flying taxis before the end of the year, viewing the Gulf as the perfect launch pad to demonstrate its vehicles to the rest of the world. Abu Dhabi Aviation confirmed at the time that an agreement was made to introduce the first fleet of Archer's Midnight electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft this year.
