The Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge (MBZIRC) is a prestigious global competition that aims to inspire advancements in autonomous robotic aerial and surface vehicle technologies. Held in Abu Dhabi every two years, MBZIRC invites universities, research centers, companies, and individual innovators from around the world to showcase their solutions in the field of robotics. This competition, organized by ASPIRE, the program management pillar of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council, seeks to promote the UAE as a hub for advanced technology innovations.

In its upcoming edition, called the Maritime Grand Challenge, MBZIRC focuses on tackling global maritime security challenges such as illegal fishing, piracy, smuggling, and human trafficking. Participating teams will develop innovative autonomous systems capable of working together in a GNSS-denied environment, off the coast of Abu Dhabi. With the complexity of weather conditions and the need to detect unfriendly vessels and offload goods efficiently, the challenge presents a real-world test for autonomous aerial and surface vehicles. Through this competition, MBZIRC aims to bridge the gap between current robotic capabilities and real-world applications, pushing technological boundaries for a safer maritime surveillance and intervention sector.