Abu Dhabi has taken another significant step toward building a smarter and more sustainable city with the introduction of a new fleet of autonomous cleaning vehicles along the Abu Dhabi Corniche. The initiative, launched by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC)—an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT)—marks a major milestone in the emirate’s journey toward integrating advanced robotics into public service operations.
Developed by Autogo, a subsidiary of K2, under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, the robosweeper project aims to revolutionize the way the city maintains cleanliness in high-traffic urban areas. These state-of-the-art cleaning units are equipped with a range of sensors and navigation systems that enable them to move independently along pre-programmed routes. Designed specifically for environments such as pavements, public squares, and pedestrian zones, the robosweepers provide a highly efficient, automated solution for maintaining hygiene standards across the capital.
The introduction of these robotic cleaning vehicles is expected to significantly reduce dependence on manual labor while ensuring consistent and thorough cleaning performance. Each unit can operate autonomously, detecting obstacles, adjusting routes in real time, and maintaining optimal efficiency throughout the day. Beyond basic cleaning, the system also incorporates sanitization features, enhancing public health and safety—a particularly valuable function in densely populated urban spaces.
Dr. Saif Sultan Al Nasri, Acting Undersecretary at the DMT, emphasized that this project reflects Abu Dhabi’s proactive commitment to technological advancement. “The implementation of this technology is a prime example of our strategy for incorporating state-of-the-art innovation into public infrastructure,” he stated. “By adopting these smart solutions, we are not only improving operational management but also enhancing the overall well-being of our community. This program reinforces Abu Dhabi’s global reputation as a forward-thinking and highly efficient capital city.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Abdulla Hamad Al Ghfeli, Acting Director General of the ITC, highlighted the broader goals of the initiative. “The launch of this project reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s commitment to investing in smart and green technologies that transform the transport and public services sector,” he noted. “Through these advancements, we aim to boost operational efficiency, embrace sustainable practices, and remain aligned with global best standards.”
Sean Teo, Managing Director of K2, also expressed pride in the partnership that brought this innovation to life. “We are honored to collaborate with the Integrated Transport Centre and Abu Dhabi Municipality on a project that embodies our shared vision for smarter, cleaner cities,” he said. “The RoboSweeper represents a leap forward in urban robotics, demonstrating how technology can directly support Abu Dhabi’s long-term sustainability and innovation goals. We remain committed to developing intelligent solutions that meet the needs of communities today and in the future.”