Dubai Introduces Taxis with No Driver, Would You Ride One?

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched of a series of its smart projects and services at the Gitex Technology Week starting last Sunday (October 14). The event featured the pilot test run of the very first autonomous taxi in the Middle East.

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Among the many smart initiatives to be highlighted at the event are the Dubai Metro spare parts manufactured through 3d printing, the AI-based computerized Chat Bot system, Robotic Cleaners for Dubai Metro stations, as well as the Nol Plus Loyalty Programme, which will support public transport users.

 

RTA Unveils Driverless Taxis in Dubai

The event launch for the new smart initiatives and services are in accordance with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish the emirate among the top smart cities in the world.

According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the GITEX will introduce the first ‘autonomous taxi’ vehicle in the region, which was developed by the RTA in partnership with Dubai Silicon Oasis and DG World for Robots & Artificial Applications. The autonomous vehicle, which has advanced safety features and top-of-the-line security settings, is scheduled to run on dedicated routes at the Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Furthermore, the autonomous taxi is fully equipped with smart cameras and automated sensors that can “read” traffic and road situations to guide the vehicle and avoid accidents on the road, shared Al Tayer.

The ‘Autonomous taxi’ will contribute to the effective integration of Dubai’s mass transport system, as this will facilitate movement of public transport users particularly the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram, to get to their final destination points, explained Al Tayer.

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