Dubai launches region's first ever driverless taxi

MENA

Published: 2018-10-14 12:55

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 16:13


Driverless taxi, anyone? (Khaleej Times)
Driverless taxi, anyone? (Khaleej Times)

Fancy riding in a self-driven taxi? If you’re in Dubai, your wish is the Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) command.

The technologically-advanced city has just launched the region’s first ever driverless taxi, which is equipped with “cameras and sensors that fully view traffic and road conditions, control the vehicle and avoid collision,” according to Khaleej Times.

The autonomous cars will hit the road starting today, where they will transport Dubai metro and tram passengers to their final destinations.

For the moment, the highly-secure vehicles will run on dedicated routes at the Dubai Silicon Oasis

"The autonomous taxi contributes to the integration of mass transport systems by facilitating the movement of public transport users to reach their final destinations (last mile)," said Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA.

Dubai hopes to transform 25% of its total journeys into self-driving ones by 2030, as part of the Emirate’s smart self-driving mobility strategy.

Launching the innovative cabs takes place during the five-day Gitex Technology Week, which, this year, is held under the theme 'Experience Future Urbanism' and focuses on “AI and new-age technologies that benefit the public and drive the future of transportation and mobility, retail, healthcare and education,” Khaleej Times reported.

During the event, the RTA will showcase some of its other impressive innovations, including robot cleaners for Dubai Metro stations, 3D-printed Metro spare parts and an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered automated chat bot system.

 

GITEX

“An annual consumer computer and electronics trade show, exhibition, and conference that takes place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates at the Dubai World Trade Centre.” (Wikipedia)