The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in cooperation with Next Future Transportation, launched the first tests of the world’s first autonomous pods on the sidelines of the World Government Summit. The step is part of RTAs efforts under Dubai Future Accelerators initiatives.
The autonomous pods are designed to travel short and medium distances in dedicated lanes. They can be coupled in 15 to 20 seconds or detached, depending on the destination of riders, in five seconds. The autonomous pods are fitted with cameras and electromechanical technologies to carry out the coupling and detaching processes, and this feature can be activated in-motion.
Each pod measures 2.87m in length, 2.24m in width and 2.82m in height. It weighs about 1500kg and has a capacity to accommodate 10 riders (six seated, four standing). The autonomous pod is fitted with a battery that supports three hours of operation; which is chargeable in six hours. Its average speed is 20km/h.
HE Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said: “The pilot test of driverless units is directed by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in the context of transforming Dubai into the smartest city worldwide. It is also part of RTA endeavours to provide autonomous transport through carrying out technological tests on autonomous transport means under Dubais climatic conditions. It echoes the Dubai Autonomous Transport Strategy aimed at converting 25% of mobility journeys in Dubai to autonomous transportation by 2030. The move also contributes to achieving the integration of public transit means and people happiness through providing smooth, quick and innovative transit means.”
He added: “The RTA has signed an agreement with the American Next Future Inc. to develop autonomous units named (NX1) as part of the initial phase of Dubai Future Accelerators. The prototypes of these units are manufactured in Italy and shipped to Dubai to put them on trials. These pods run on a virtual pre-configured and programmed lane and are overseen by the operational system. The success of initial tests of these units will bring about a breakthrough in transportation systems that offer innovative mobility solutions and ease snarls in the city. The RTA is keen on ensuring the principle of safety in all services delivered to clients. The autonomous pods have three protection systems in order to ensure full control and avoid crashing into any body. The main system comprises 3D cameras, and the second one is a standby system based on ordinary cameras, and the last is operated manually by the operator.”