Driverless bus goes on Dubai test run, best prototypes to win $2.3 million challenge

A driverless bus goes on a test in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

PHOTO BY RTA

Driverless bus goes on Dubai test run, best prototypes to win $2.3 million challenge

Prototypes of driverless buses have gone on a test run in Dubai, with the best ones standing the chance to win the $2.3 million prize pool at the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport.

The two-day event at the Dubai World Trade Centre opened on Tuesday (September 26). “RTA’s hosting of the Congress, challenge and accompanying exhibition is consistent with its efforts to realise Dubai’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy aimed to transform 25 per cent of mobility journeys in Dubai into smart and driverless journeys by 2030,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA.

For the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, a total of 27 applications were submitted from all over the world. Ten local and international companies made it to the final round and will be competing for the $2 million prize in the Industry Leaders category or the $300,000 prize for the Local Academia category.

The UAE’s Heriot-Watt University, Khalifa University – Abu Dhabi, University of Dubai, University of Bolton – Ras Al Khaimah, and the American University of Sharjah made it the the finals in the Local Academia category.

As part of the challenge, some self-driving buses were tested in Dubai, particularly at Dubai Silicon Oasis.

The unified tests comprised basic and advanced tests covering traffic safety, maturity of the autonomous technology used in buses, user convenience, credibility and forward vision of the participating entity, the extent of innovation and skills, relevant expertise, the commercial aspect of operability and value addition. ICA/Expat Media

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