Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Cruise have begun testing and data collection for self-driving cars in the city.
The RTA announced it is collecting data and testing technology for Dubai’s traffic signals, signage, and drivers’ behaviour among other attributes using five Chevy Bolt-based autonomous vehicles in Jumeirah 1.
It is a major step toward the launch of self-driving ridehail services in Dubai.
Self-driving taxis in Dubai
This step is part of the RTA’s strategy aimed at bolstering the city’s goal of being a global leader in self-driving transport and becoming the world’s smartest city.
The goal requires investment in smart mobility and using advanced technology and is part of the RTA’s commitment to enhancing the wellbeing and safety of citizens, residents and visitors.
Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency at the RTA, said: “Data collection and testing is a crucial phase in Dubai’s quest for excellence in smart mobility and advanced technology.
“The work being done will ensure Cruise’s advanced generalisable AI and autonomous driving systems safely adapt to Dubai traffic conditions.
“This stage of data collection and testing for Dubai’s traffic environment will utilise five Chevy Bolt-based autonomous vehicles that will be deployed in the Jumeirah 1 area.
“The aim is to obtain the best readings and data through onboard lidars, radars and cameras that capture data and images within a 360-degree field of vision,” he added.
This collaboration between RTA and Cruise demonstrates a shared dedication to developing innovative and sustainable urban mobility solutions. It underscores the shared goal of coaxing a sweeping migration toward self-driving technology and promotes smart mobility. The expansion of autonomous vehicles will further boost Dubai’s standing as a global hub for innovative technology of smart mobility.
On March 9, Cruise held a workshop on the next stages leading to the pilot phase of operating the service in Dubai.
The agenda of the workshop was set by Cruise and RTA to review the specifications of the Chevy Bolt-based autonomous vehicle along with an overview of the data collection stage, operating model, monitoring of local operations and incident response.
The technical team from Cruise and RTA pooled their efforts, and shared knowledge and experiences, promoting cooperation and ensuring optimal deliverables of the data collection stage along with the continued development of the autonomous taxi service.
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