After the launching of the driverless taxis at the Gitex Technology Week, which began on October 14, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) showed how the vehicles would work in the UAE.
In a video uploaded on RTA’s page, the transport department showed the different features of the driverless taxis.
Through the ultrasonic sensors with park assist and static detection features of the taxis, they can detect and stop at the location of the commuter who booked a ride through the S’hail app.
A screen saying “Welcome to Dubai Autonomous Taxi” will also welcome rides once they are seated on the comfortable seats of the cab.
The 360-degree lidar system, meanwhile, will assist the cab in terms of mapping which will ensure that the riders could get to the destination.
Moreover, the cameras installed in the cabs are also able to detect the people around the vehicle particularly those crossing the roads. Once it detects an individual crossing the road, it will automatically stop to make way for the individual. The cameras can also detect traffic signs.
The 776Hz-radar installed in the vehicles also serve as an object detector which would prevent vehicular collisions while on road.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said that the driverless taxis have top safety and security standards, and will run on dedicated routes at the Dubai Silicon Oasis during its trial phase which will begin next month.
Driverless taxis also aim to contribute to the implementation of the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Mobility Strategy that aims to transform 25% of Dubai’s total journeys into self-driving transit means by 2030.
“The ‘Autonomous taxi’ contributes to the integration of mass transport systems by facilitating the movement of public transport users, specifically Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram, to reach their final destinations (last mile),” said Al Tayer.
