Sunday, Jan 29, 2017

Dubai: An autonomous vehicle that has so far shuttled 1,500 people around busy Dubai districts will continue to run until February 22.

The boxy, 10-seater vehicle landed on the streets at Dubai World Trade Centre, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard and Business Bay last year, and has served 1,500 passengers.

Since November the vehicle has been driving on a 600 metre track in Business Bay. Now, officials from its operator, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) want to give more people a chance to take a ride.

The trial run is “intended to give the public a feel of the smart vehicles technology, test the operation under Dubai climate conditions, and showcase the Autonomous Mobility Strategy of the Dubai Government,” said Khaled Al Awadi, an RTA director.

Under government plans, a quarter of journeys on public transport in Dubai will be driverless by 2030.

The electric-powered vehicle is environment-friendly and can travel up to 8 hours on a single charge.

Travelling at a speed of 10 kilometres per hour, the vehicle can fit six seated riders and four standing.

Designed to move within closed internal roads in areas such as residential districts, and entertainment venues, the vehicle is equipped with high-tech safety and security systems.

These systems include a four-direction GPS and laser sensors that can detect objects from up to 40 metres away.

Once an object comes within two metres, the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

Staff Report

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