13 October 2025 | Interaction | By editor@rbnpress.com
In this exclusive Robotics Business News interview, Dr. Danilo Caporale, Senior Director of the Autonomous Robotics Research Center at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), shares insights on the launch of the TII–NVIDIA AI and Robotics Lab — the first of its kind in the Middle East. He discusses how this strategic collaboration is set to accelerate advancements in embodied AI, humanoid robotics, and autonomous systems, reinforcing the UAE’s Vision 2031 to become a global leader in artificial intelligence.
Vision and Strategic Goals: Q. What are the primary objectives of the new AI and robotics lab, and how does this collaboration align with the UAE’s Vision 2031 to become a global leader in artificial intelligence?
Dr. Danilo Caporale: The TII-NVAITC (NVIDIA AI Technology Center) Joint Lab for AI and Robotics is the first of its kind in the Middle East, which represents a significant moment for both organizations and for the region as a whole. The partnership unites TII’s applied R&D and NVIDIA’s global AI research with the objective of combining expertise to accelerate new solutions in advanced AI and robotics. The focus will be on embodied AI and robotics.
This project strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for AI and robotics, and more broadly, the lab aligns with the UAE’s Vision 2031 as it creates opportunities for technological sovereignty, diversification and innovation leadership.
Technological Innovations: Q. Could you elaborate on how NVIDIA’s Thor chip will enhance the lab’s capabilities in developing advanced robotic systems, such as humanoids and autonomous platforms?
Dr. Danilo Caporale: Thor is NVIDIA’s new edge GPU designed for robotics and autonomous systems. It will enhance the lab’s capabilities because it enables high-performance real-time robotic control, sensor processing and model inference, which is key to developing humanoids, autonomous platforms, mobility systems such as autonomous vehicles and delivery robots. Advanced reasoning will also be essential, with powerful models like Falcon, one of the Middle East’s first and largest AI models. We aim at further pushing the boundaries of embodied AI and enabling innovations in areas like human-robot interaction, mobility, and real-world applications.
Research and Development Focus: Q. What specific areas of robotics and AI will the lab prioritize in its research, and how do you envision these innovations impacting sectors like healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing?
Dr. Danilo Caporale: Our goal is to transform industries by introducing new approaches to long-standing challenges. Specifically, our focus is on embodied AI and our humanoid software stack, which includes robotics learning and control at scale, and the integration of language, perception, and reasoning models.
This will impact industry sectors in unique ways. For example, in healthcare, the technology can be used to support surgeons and healthcare staff. In transportation and mobility, there’s autonomous delivery and smart urban mobility which can improve efficiency and reduce the strain on transport infrastructure. In manufacturing, we can help introduce advanced automation and control, to help create better products faster.
Collaborative Approach: Q. How will the multidisciplinary expertise of TII and NVIDIA be integrated within the lab to foster innovation and accelerate the development of intelligent systems?
Dr. Danilo Caporale: The lab combines the best expertise from both parties. We at TII bring our robotics platforms, sovereign AI, and modular systems while NVIDIA brings its cutting-edge compute, Thor GPU and robotics ecosystem, and global NVAITC network. In partnership, we will work together on joint R&D, and the hybrid team will be based in Abu Dhabi and connected to NVIDIA’s global capabilities.
Talent Development and Recruitment: Q. What strategies are in place to attract and retain top-tier talent for the lab, and how do you plan to support the growth of AI and robotics expertise in the region?
Dr. Danilo Caporale: The lab will act as a springboard to nurture the talent we already have in the region and to grow the pipeline of the next generation of technology disruptors. We’re building local knowledge through hands-on collaboration with NVIDIA and supporting knowledge transfer from global to UAE-based researchers. We see the lab as a magnet for global talent, which will see some of the brightest minds internationally working alongside homegrown talent. This is embedded in the UAE’s strategy for a knowledge economy.
Real-World Applications: Q. Can you provide examples of potential real-world applications that the lab aims to develop, and how these solutions could address current challenges in various industries?
Dr. Danilo Caporale: At the TII-NVAITC joint lab, the emphasis is on solutions that are deployment-ready, not just conceptual. With that in mind, we are looking to build everything from robotic arms and quadrupeds to full humanoid systems that will serve people and industries. We foresee use cases such as disaster response, logistics, smart cities, environmental monitoring and healthcare support.
Long-Term Impact and Expansion: Q. Looking ahead, what are the long-term goals for the lab, and how do you plan to expand its influence and capabilities to further the UAE’s position as a hub for AI and robotics innovation?
Dr. Danilo Caporale: While the lab currently operates virtually, our long-term goal is to establish a physical hub. We also plan to expand the existing partnerships within the NVAITC global community, which will enable us to further contribute to global innovation in AI and robotics. Global influence must go hand-in-hand with local excellence. We will contribute to the UAE’s sovereign technology ecosystem, which will build an advanced future for the country and the region.
Global Collaboration and Future Partnerships:Q. How does this partnership with NVIDIA pave the way for future collaborations with other global tech leaders, and what role do you see the lab playing in the broader international AI ecosystem?
Dr. Danilo Caporale: We aim for this partnership to set a precedent for further global collaborations that foster more innovative research and intelligent solutions. The lab is part of TII’s existing partnership strategy through which we are working with AWS, Google and several academic institutions on various projects.
This is just the beginning. Our goal is to integrate the UAE more deeply into the global AI and robotics ecosystem and to shine a light on the region as a thriving hub of talent and new ideas.
