SteerAI has introduced xRift, a fully autonomous all-terrain vehicle designed to navigate the demanding environments of the Gulf region through a flexible, cab-less utility architecture.
Unveiled at the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, the vehicle is a product of the Advanced Technology Research Council ecosystem. Unlike traditional off-road vehicles limited by fixed configurations, xRift utilizes a flat utility deck in place of a passenger cab. This design allows the platform to carry diverse payloads of up to 500 kg, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance modules, weapons systems, or logistics supplies across unmapped and rugged landscapes.
The vehicle is powered by CoreX, an autonomous driving system developed by SteerAI that utilizes an AI-powered software stack for navigation, perception, and decision-making. Because the CoreX hardware kit is vehicle-agnostic, the technology can be integrated into various fleets to enhance operational precision while removing human drivers from high-risk environments. The xRift itself is built for endurance, featuring a 225 HP liquid-cooled engine and a maximum unmanned speed of 50 km/h.
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 foundational technology for the platform was engineered by experts at Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and scaled by SteerAI over the past year. Reda Nidhakou, the CEO of SteerAI’s parent company, VentureOne, noted that the vehicle addresses a specific market need for field-ready autonomy.
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.”
Measuring 4,200 mm in length and weighing 1,350 kg, the xRift is engineered to maintain reliability in unpredictable conditions such as deserts and rocky terrain. With the support of the UAE’s Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, SteerAI expects production units to be ready for deployment by the end of 2026.
