Excited to ride in a driverless taxi in the UAE, at the same time concerned about its safety? You need not be as 80 sensors, cameras and LiDAR (light detection and ranging) systems fitted within would monitor road conditions to avoid collision with any objects – even those the human eyes cannot see.
Self-driving taxis will be fully operating on the roads by the end of this year. While initially, there might be only a few Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that the count will gradually increase to 4,000 by 2030. RTA signed a deal with US firm Cruise to supply autonomous vehicle taxis as driverless taxis on Dubai’s roads in the approaching future. To address queries in your curious mind here are some interesting questions that give you the answers you seek.
Why autonomous vehicles in Dubai?
Cruise cars generate zero emissions, eliminate human error and make zero crashes a reality, that too with no congestion or parking hassles. Isn’t this convincing enough? Electric and environmentally friendly, the vehicles also serve considerable numbers of passengers particularly senior citizens, residents, and people of determination. The vehicles also accommodate hearing and visually impaired individuals.
Is it safe? Is there any other advantage?
Human errors are responsible for most accidents. However, this new advanced mode of transport is built with 5G technology. High-precision laser sensors detect fixed and moving objects, 16 cameras and 21 radars perform – Perception, Planning and Controls – for safe autonomous driving. Thereby increasing road safety levels by reducing accidents which human error can cause.
The AI-powered machines communicate and share updates so that each vehicle learns from the collective experiences of the fleet. For e.g., if one car encounters a road closure or a dangerous hazard, it alerts all other cars to avoid a potentially unsafe situation.
How fast does it go?
With autonomous cars demanding no nitrous, no handbrake turn or jumps, the vehicles give you an incredibly smooth ride at 20 KpH.
How to avail yourself of a driverless ride in UAE?
Customers can use a mobile app to request a ride, just like they use apps of Uber and Careem. The only difference is that they can control the experience —customize the climate control and radio station settings ahead of their ride.
Inside the vehicle, passengers will find touch screens tablets to access real-time information about the ride. The screens remind passengers to close all doors and fasten their seat belts. Passengers can communicate with remote support personnel or end the ride at the press of a button due to any emergency.
Go on to spot Robo Taxis / Minibuses on Abu Dhabi’s Yas and Saadiyat islands. They can fit about 7 people on and follow set routes stopping at tourist spots on the respective islands. These automated taxis prove the future of mobility is here.