Abu dhabi: K2, an Abu Dhabi Government-owned company specializing in autonomous and advanced mobility technologies, is making its first-ever participation at UMEX 2026, marking a milestone in its mission to advance next-generation autonomous solutions. At the event, K2 is showcasing an autonomous surface vessel currently being tested in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority, underscoring the emirate's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance safety, resilience, and operational readiness.
According to Emirates News Agency, the autonomous vessel on display reflects a strategic collaboration focused on real-world deployment and rigorous testing, with an emphasis on emergency response, maritime safety, and critical operations. Through this initiative, K2 is demonstrating how locally developed autonomous systems can support civil defense missions, improve response times, and operate reliably in complex and demanding environments, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's leadership in applied autonomous innovation. In collaboration with Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority (ADCDA) and as part of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council's (SASC) strategy to support and enhance Abu Dhabi's global leadership in intelligent mobility systems, K2 is testing an autonomous boat alongside ADCDA.
Sean Teo, Director Manager at K2, stated that the debut at UMEX marks an important step for K2 as they move from development to real-world validation of autonomous systems. Collaborating with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority allows them to test their technology in mission-critical scenarios, ensuring it delivers tangible value where safety, reliability, and speed are crucial. This project reflects their commitment to building autonomous solutions that are innovative, operationally ready, and aligned with Abu Dhabi's vision for advanced public safety capabilities.
Additionally, Team Kinetiz, K2's autonomous racing team, is participating in the A2RL Drone Championship. Waleed Alblooshi, Vice President of Strategy at K2 and Team Principal of Kinetiz, emphasized that the event is a proving ground for innovation. The competition challenges teams to apply cutting-edge ideas in real-world conditions, encouraging collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving. Team Kinetiz has previously raced in A2RL's autonomous racing league and won awards for best performance and first in the simulation race.