Dubai has begun a four-week trial of AI-powered driverless electric pods on Bluewaters Island, testing a new automated transit system designed to improve connectivity across the emirate.
Announced by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the system was developed by US-based Glydways. Each pod can carry up to six passengers on dedicated routes separate from regular traffic, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h and travelling up to 250 km on a single charge.
The vehicles use LiDAR sensors, radar and cameras to navigate autonomously. More than 10 pods can also be virtually linked with intervals of less than one second, giving the system a potential capacity of more than 20,000 passengers per hour in both directions, according to RTA.
During the trial, RTA will assess autonomous driving, safety, reliability, passenger experience, journey times and ease of use. The results will help determine whether the network can be expanded across Dubai.
RTA said the system could reduce capital costs by up to 90% and operating costs by up to 70% compared with similar transport systems. Potential routes under consideration include a 2.8 km link between National Paints Metro Station and Bluewaters, as well as connections serving Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Festival City, Business Bay and Mohammed Bin Rashid City.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
