Morocco: UM6P Develops Next-Generation Drones With AI and Morphing-Wing Technology

Morocco is strengthening its position in advanced engineering and emerging technologies through two ambitious research programmes led by Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguerir. The initiatives focus on developing drones with adaptable wing structures and enhancing autonomous flight capabilities through artificial intelligence, computer vision and digital twin technologies.

Together, the projects reflect a broader research ambition to move beyond theoretical development and bring innovative aerospace technologies closer to practical industrial applications.

Biomimicry Inspires a New Generation of Adaptive Drones

One of the university's research programmes focuses on drones equipped with morphing wings capable of changing their shape during flight. Drawing inspiration from birds and bats, the project seeks to reproduce the natural ability of flying creatures to adjust their wings according to speed, movement and environmental conditions.

Unlike conventional unmanned aerial vehicles, which generally rely on fixed-wing structures, these experimental aircraft will be designed to modify their wing geometry throughout different flight phases.

The objective is to improve aerodynamic efficiency, enhance manoeuvrability and reduce energy consumption. By adjusting wing curvature, surface area and configuration, the aircraft could achieve better performance during low-speed operations, complex manoeuvres and high-speed flight.

The research opportunity was outlined in a programme published on the European EURAXESS platform on November 6, 2026, detailing the university's plans to design, manufacture and test functional prototypes.

Advanced Materials and 3D Printing at the Core of Development

The development process will combine several advanced engineering techniques, particularly lightweight composite materials and computer-aided design. These technologies are expected to help researchers create structures that balance mechanical strength with reduced weight.

Three-dimensional printing will also play an important role in producing prototype components using polymers and composite materials.

To support the engineering process, researchers intend to use specialised simulation and modelling platforms, including ABAQUS, SolidWorks, ANSYS and COMSOL. These tools will help assess mechanical stresses, examine structural behaviour and optimise the aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft.

Once the prototypes have been manufactured, they will undergo a comprehensive testing programme. Planned experiments include wind tunnel assessments, vibration analysis, mechanical resistance and fatigue testing, followed by actual flight trials.

A key milestone is reaching Technology Readiness Level 5 (TRL 5), which involves validating the technology in an environment representative of its intended operating conditions.

The programme also sets scientific and intellectual property objectives, including three research papers in Q1-ranked journals, contributions towards an invention patent and the establishment of a complete methodology for designing, manufacturing and testing morphing-wing drones.

Artificial Intelligence to Make Drones More Autonomous

Alongside its work on adaptive aircraft structures, UM6P is pursuing a second research programme focused on intelligent autonomous flight systems.

This initiative aims to equip drones with the ability to interpret their surroundings, identify obstacles and make operational decisions without relying entirely on continuous human intervention.

The proposed architecture combines machine learning algorithms, computer vision systems and information collected through multiple onboard sensors. By processing these different sources of data, drones will be able to recognise environmental changes and adjust their trajectories and movements accordingly.

The research also incorporates digital twins, virtual models designed to reproduce the behaviour and technical characteristics of physical aircraft.

These digital representations will allow researchers to analyse flight data, monitor equipment conditions, evaluate operational performance and identify potential technical failures before they become more serious problems.

Another important component involves processing information directly onboard the aircraft. This approach is intended to reduce response times and enable drones to operate more effectively in complex environments where immediate decisions are essential.

Industrial Testing and a Target of TRL 6

The second programme will move beyond laboratory research through experiments planned at UM6P facilities and selected sites belonging to the OCP Group.

Its principal objective is to develop a demonstrator capable of reaching Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6). This stage requires demonstrating that a technological system functions in an industrially representative environment.

Achieving this milestone would mark an important step towards assessing the practical reliability of AI-powered autonomous drones and their potential integration into demanding operational settings.

UM6P Strengthens Morocco's Advanced Engineering Ambitions

The two programmes address complementary aspects of next-generation drone development. While the first explores how innovative wing structures can improve flight performance, the second investigates how artificial intelligence can enhance navigation, decision-making and operational reliability.

Their combination highlights the growing importance of interdisciplinary research involving aerospace engineering, robotics, materials science and artificial intelligence.

For Morocco, these initiatives represent an opportunity to expand domestic expertise in sophisticated technological fields while strengthening the connection between university research and industrial experimentation.

By targeting measurable technological milestones, scientific publications, prototype development and potential patent contributions, UM6P is seeking to transform advanced research concepts into tested engineering solutions.