SteerAI has unveiled xRift, a versatile autonomous off-road vehicle designed to handle complex industrial and defense operations in the challenging environments of the Gulf region.
Launched at the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX) in Abu Dhabi with the support of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), the vehicle represents a departure from standard off-road machinery. Engineered for full autonomy, xRift features a flat utility deck in place of a passenger cab, allowing it to carry payloads of up to 500 kg. This modular design supports various configurations, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance modules, weapons systems, and transport supplies for unmapped terrain.
The vehicle is powered by CoreX, an autonomous driving system developed by SteerAI. This vehicle-agnostic technology utilizes an AI-powered software stack for navigation, perception, and decision-making, enabling precise movement through unpredictable conditions. Because the CoreX hardware kit can be integrated into various existing fleets, it offers a scalable solution for increasing operational efficiency while removing human drivers from high-risk situations.
Michael Sonderby, Acting CEO of SteerAI, stated, “xRift represents a new generation of high-performance autonomous offroad solution that is reliable, scalable, and customizable to end users’ exact operational needs. Its versatility and durability set it apart. The same platform can support a wide range of missions, including supply runs, field applications, or surveillance without human control. It’s a system built for endurance and assurance in the harshest conditions.”
The technical specifications of the xRift include a 225 HP liquid-cooled engine and a maximum unmanned speed of 50 km/h. The unit weighs 1,350 kg with dimensions of 4,200 x 1,880 x 1,400 mm, and features a 47-liter fuel capacity. The foundational technology was engineered by experts at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi and has been scaled by SteerAI over the past year.
Reda Nidhakou, CEO of VentureOne, SteerAI’s parent company, commented, “xRift fills a crucial gap in the market for flexible, field-ready autonomy that’s built for the region. It shows how local innovation can meet the operational realities of the defense and logistics sectors, delivering autonomy that’s robust and ready for deployment, both here and abroad.”
SteerAI, an autonomous technology venture within the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) ecosystem, expects production units to be ready for deployment by the end of 2026.
