Autonomous taxi service
Driving around on an autonomous taxi without a driver on the wheel is likely to happen in Dubai sooner than you imagined.
The RTA yesterday unveiled the self-driving vehicle at the Gitex Technology Week, demonstrating the cars’ capabilities.
To be on trial at Dubai Silicon Oasis, the MercedesBenz E-Class vehicle, with full autonomous features, will initially run on a dedicated route, albeit without passengers.
According Khalid Al Awadi, director of RTA’s Automated Collection System, the vehicle is designed to operate at 35km/h during the trial phase to ensure all road users are safe.
With multiple cameras and sensors, the vehicle is capable of detecting obstacles around it and operate in all traffic situations.
The prototype vehicle will be tested over the next three months taking it through different safety and security requirements before allowing trials with passengers. ■