A Fresh Trend in Mobility Emerges on Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai is a nation built on cutting-edge transformation. One might assume that getting about all that luxury and allure is best done in luxury and class, the type that only the spirit of ecstasy can achieve. If that was your afterthought, you would be mistaken. Look past the luxury and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has set the stage for a monumental shift in the city’s mobility landscape by rolling out driverless RoboTaxi services.
Mapping Out the Future
Dubai’s autonomous transportation plans are anchored in the deployment of 65 strategically chosen locations across two operational zones. Phase One of the project will cover 17 locations in Zone One and 48 locations in Zone Two. The bold move cuts out the emissions generated by gas guzzlers and reduces congestion and emissions, while also improving efficiency and safety.
This extensive mapping of public road areas approved for autonomous taxi operations sets the stage for Baidu Apollo Go’s ambitious plans. Baidu, a global leader in artificial intelligence and autonomous driving technology, is partnering with RTA to bring this vision to life.
The Tech Behind the Taxi
Each Baidu Apollo RT6 robotaxi sets the gold standard for modern engineering, equipped with advanced sensors to maximize autonomous driving safety and reliability. Four light detection and range sensors, twelve cameras, and six radars form a system that detects complex cityscapes, adapts to pedestrians, vehicles, and unpredictable traffic.
The RT6 is the world’s first mass-produced, purpose-built autonomous machine, rigorously tested to meet top safety standards. Its algorithms are fine-tuned for local driving cultures. For example, Dubai roundabouts differ from those in China, so Baidu retrained its AI using regional data for smooth operation.
​Expansion and Integration
The 65 locations identified for the initial phase of the RoboTaxi service will serve as the foundation for Baidu’s wider expansion plans. The company has already received Dubai’s first autonomous driving trial permit and has conducted successful trials with 50 autonomous vehicles. These trials have taken place on both closed and open roads in areas like Silicon Oasis and Jumeirah, providing crucial insights into how the vehicles perform in real-world conditions.
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