A fully driverless robotaxis test has begun in Abu Dhabi

The Chinese company WeRide has launched a new technological stage in the Middle East - fully driverless robotaxis will be tested on public roads in Abu Dhabi. This was reported by the publication "Russian Emirates". The most interesting thing is that the driver-instructor will not participate in these tests at all, that is, the cars will move completely autonomously.

Expanding coverage: new islands will be added to the route

Test flights will start at the end of the second quarter of 2024. Previously operating only on Yas and Saadiyat Islands, WeRide taxis will now also be directed to the islands of Al Maryah and Al Reem, one of the central areas of Abu Dhabi.

National license - an important step for development

In July 2023, WeRide received an official national license to operate driverless vehicles in the UAE. This gave it the right to conduct tests throughout the country and created great opportunities for the popularization of advanced technologies.

Partnership with Uber: One of the Largest Initiatives in the World

The agreement signed between WeRide and Uber in December 2024 served to further expand the robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi. This platform was noted as one of the largest commercial initiatives outside the US and China. The general service for passengers is planned to be launched in the summer of 2025.

Historical context: the first tests in the world were noted

The WeRide experiment began in 2020 in Shenzhen, China. It was observed that 25 autonomous cars were moving without a driver to ensure safety. This was assessed as a new revolution in the global transportation system.

Tesla is not far behind

Earlier, in October 2023, Elon Musk publicly demonstrated Tesla's robotaxi project, a humanoid robot and a 20-seater "robovan" at an event called "We, Robots". This also shows that the competition in the field of driverless transport is intensifying.

From the editorial staff of Zamin.uz:

This initiative by WeRide in the UAE could pave the way for autonomous technologies not only in the region, but also in global transport. What do you think about robotaxis? Are you ready for a world where you don't have to drive them yourself?

Photo: Damoda / WeRide

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