Latest news with #RT6
Gulf Business
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
Abu Dhabi expands RoboTaxi trials in push for full launch by 2026
Image: WAM Abu Dhabi has expanded its autonomous RoboTaxi service in partnership with Autogo and Baidu's Apollo Go, marking a key step towards a full-scale launch of driverless taxis by 2026, the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) said on Sunday. The trials, led by The latest expansion involves the deployment of sixth-generation RoboTaxi vehicles (RT6), developed to meet the evolving needs of modern cities. What sets the RoboTaxi apart Featuring an electric design and AI-powered systems, the RT6 offers intelligent navigation and real-time responsiveness to road conditions, aimed at boosting road safety and reducing emissions. 'The expansion of the autonomous RoboTaxi service in Abu Dhabi marks a pivotal milestone in our journey towards smart mobility,' said Dr Abdulla AlGhfeli, acting DG of the Integrated Transport Centre. 'We are committed to leveraging the latest technologies to make mobility smarter and safer, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global leader in this field.' Developed in collaboration with Autogo — a subsidiary of Kintsugi Holding — the initiative is designed to ensure compliance with local transport strategies, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure requirements across the emirate. Shift in urban mobility Sean Teo, general manager of Kintsugi Holding, said: 'The start of a new operational phase of the RoboTaxi service in Abu Dhabi marks the beginning of a transformative shift in urban mobility. Autonomous taxis serve two vital objectives: improving road safety and enabling more sustainable transport.' The
Filipino Times
21-04-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Dubai to roll out self-driving taxis by 2026; trial begins in coming months
Dubai is gearing up to roll out self-driving taxis by 2026, starting with the trial deployment of 50 autonomous vehicles in the coming months. The initiative follows a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Baidu's autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go. Under the agreement, 50 self-driving taxis will begin pilot operations across the emirate, with plans to gradually scale the fleet to 1,000 vehicles over the next three years. Baidu's Apollo Go will deploy its latest generation of autonomous taxis, the RT6, which are equipped with 40 sensors for enhanced safety and automation. The model has already achieved success in China, having logged over 150 million kilometers of autonomous driving and completed more than 10 million trips. This move is a key part of Dubai's Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25% of all trips in the city to autonomous journeys by 2030, Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the RTA, said in a news release. 'RTA is committed to enhancing Dubai's global leadership in autonomous mobility by trialling various types of autonomous vehicles, air taxis, and marine transport, with the ultimate goal of achieving the objectives of Dubai's Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy,' Al Tayer added. RTA officials also said that the autonomous taxi service is expected to improve road safety, reduce congestion, and provide mobility solutions for those unable to drive, including children and the elderly.
Time Out Dubai
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time Out Dubai
Driverless taxi trial in Dubai 2025: Apollo Go to roll out 50 autonomous cabs
Driverless taxis are set to be introduced to Dubai roads in 2025. Experimental trials of 50 self-driving cabs will be introduced in the coming months in the emirate. The trial, the result of an agreement between the Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai and Chinese autonomous ride-hailing service Apollo Go, will expand to a wider public launch of the service next year. The Apollo Go service has already proved to be a massive success in China, where more than 10 million driverless trips have already been completed. Dubai will see the RT6, the latest generation of driverless taxis, operate on an initial trial basis this year. These vehicles are equipped with 40 sensors and detectors to ensure the highest standards of automation and safety. Plans are already in place to introduce 1,000 self-driving cabs by the Chinese brand in the next three years. Driverless taxis will be introduced in Dubai soon (Credit: Baidu) This latest agreement comes following a similar announcement earlier in April which promised to bring Uber's WeRide platform to the city. Dubai's RTA aims to convert 25 percent of all trips across its public transport services into autonomous services by 2030. Why does Dubai want self-driving taxis? All this futuristic thinking is part of the UAE government's Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy, which has outlined why the plans are necessary. The strategy says that, by transforming transport in the country's most populated city, they believe traffic accidents will reduce by 12 per cent and increase productivity by 13 per cent. The RTA says that driverless services will improve road safety as it reduces the risk of human error in traffic accidents and it will allow a wider segment of the community to be served. The UAE believes that the strategy will also bring Dhs22 billion in revenue by reducing transportation costs, raising the productivity of individuals, and saving 'hundreds of millions of hours wasted in conventional transportation'. Autonomous mobility is becoming a reality. RTA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Baidu's autonomous ride-hailing service Apollo Go, a global leader in autonomous transport solutions, to roll out autonomous taxis on a large scale across the emirate. The company will… — RTA (@rta_dubai) April 20, 2025 That rather large figure is a combination of the Dhs900 million predicted savings in transportation costs, Dhs1.5 billion reduction in environmental pollution and a whopping Dhs18 billion in increasing the efficiency of the transportation sector. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, highlighted the benefits of the self-driving service. He said: 'Self-driving transport has become a reality, with global companies accelerating the development of the necessary technology and software. 'Simultaneously, governments, represented by the relevant authorities, are focusing on licensing autonomous vehicle operations, developing the required infrastructure, and establishing the rules and regulations that govern their use. 'RTA is committed to enhancing Dubai's global leadership in autonomous mobility by trialling various types of autonomous vehicles, air taxis, and marine transport, with the ultimate goal of achieving the objectives of Dubai's Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy.' In 2024, the RTA completed tests and trials of its self-driving Chevrolet Bolt vehicles in the Jumeirah area of the city but it remains to be seen if these vehicles will be rolled out further. The plan is for Dubai to eventually have 4,000 driverless taxis on its roads, which is believed to ease traffic, cut emissions and lead to fewer accidents. In other Dubai news Dubai's Mall of the Emirates to undergo huge expansion — here's what to expect You're going to see some big changes A second headliner has been announced for the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix It was written In The Stars Inside Etihad Rail: This is what it's like to travel on UAE's new train Spoiler alert: we're impressed
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Dubai's RTA signs deal to launch operational trials of 50 autonomous taxis in 2025
DUBAI: Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Baidu's autonomous ride-hailing service Apollo Go, a global leader in autonomous transport solutions, to roll out autonomous taxis on a large scale across the emirate. The company will begin the experimental operation of 50 autonomous vehicles in the coming months, paving the way for the official public launch of the service in 2026. The MoU was signed in a ceremony attended by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Halton Niu, General Manager of Overseas Business at Baidu's Intelligent Driving Group (IDG). On behalf of the RTA, the MoU was signed by Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, while Liang Zhang, General Manager of Overseas Business, MENA, Baidu Intelligent Driving Group, signed on behalf of Baidu. Several representatives from both parties were also present. Under the terms of the MoU, Baidu's Apollo Go will deploy the sixth also the latest generation of its autonomous taxis RT6, specifically designed for autonomous mobility services. These vehicles are equipped with 40 sensors and detectors to ensure the highest standards of automation and safety. This model has already achieved remarkable success and garnered widespread acclaim from users in China. The data collection and testing phase will commence with 50 vehicles in the coming months, gradually expanding to 1,000 autonomous taxis over the next three years, according to the established efficiency and service quality standards. This launch marks Apollo Go's first international expansion in the testing and operation of autonomous vehicles outside China mainland and Hong Kong. To date, the company has logged over 150 million kilometres of safe driving, enabling large-scale self-driving taxi services across multiple cities in Chin50a, in addition to the roll-out of 100 percent driverless operations. It has also completed more than 10 million autonomous trips, making it the world's largest operator of autonomous vehicle fleets. Al Tayer expressed his pleasure in signing the MoU with Baidu's Apollo Go, pioneers of the first autonomous taxi service in China. The company is also leading efforts to integrate artificial intelligence, big data, and automation technologies to shape the smart cities of the future. Al Tayer stated, 'This MoU aligns with the directives of our leadership to strengthen partnerships with global entities and leading companies, positioning the emirate at the forefront of implementing advanced and sustainable transport solutions. It aims to leverage cutting-edge technologies and promote the adoption of innovative mobility solutions. The MoU marks a pivotal step towards the realisation of Dubai's Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25 percent of all trips in Dubai into autonomous journeys across various modes of transport by 2030. It also builds on the RTA's ongoing efforts to conduct operational trials of autonomous vehicles and units, a process that commenced in 2016.' Al Tayer added, 'Self-driving transport has become a reality, with global companies accelerating the development of the necessary technology and software. Simultaneously, governments, represented by the relevant authorities, are focusing on licensing autonomous vehicle operations, developing the required infrastructure, and establishing the rules and regulations that govern their use. RTA is committed to enhancing Dubai's global leadership in autonomous mobility by trialling various types of autonomous vehicles, air taxis, and marine transport, with the ultimate goal of achieving the objectives of Dubai's Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy.' Halton Niu, General Manager of Overseas Business at Baidu IDG, said, 'The collaboration with RTA not only demonstrates Dubai's proactive embrace of innovative technology, but also contributes to the UAE's goal of becoming a global leader in autonomous driving. Apollo Go is dedicated to delivering safe, sustainable, and efficient smart mobility services to cities worldwide. By working closely with local partners, we aim to develop transformative transportation solutions that empower communities and drive progress.' Liang Zhang, General Manager of Overseas Business, MENA, Baidu IDG, stated, 'Our partnership with RTA marks Apollo Go's most significant international expansion beyond China to date. This collaboration underscores Dubai's unwavering commitment to establishing itself as a global leader in next-generation mobility innovation.' Ahmed Bahrozyan stated, 'Self-driving transport will improve the quality of life for all segments of society, offering freedom of movement to those who are currently unable to drive, such as children and the elderly. It will also save considerable time and effort, while enhancing road safety. The future of transportation lies in autonomous driving technologies, which will become an essential part of how people move.' He added, "The MoU signed with Baidu's Apollo Go plays a crucial role in strengthening cooperation and knowledge sharing to develop autonomous driving technology in the Emirate of Dubai. This will be achieved through field trials and the creation of a roadmap for the operation of autonomous taxis."
Gulf News
20-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Dubai's RTA inks MoU with China's Baidu to launch trials of self-driving taxis in coming months
Dubai: Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Baidu's autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, to roll out autonomous taxis on a large scale across the emirate. The company will begin the experimental operation of 50 autonomous vehicles in the coming months, paving the way for the official public launch of the service in 2026. Under the terms of the MoU, Apollo Go will deploy the latest generation of its autonomous taxis RT6, specifically designed for autonomous mobility services. These vehicles are equipped with 40 sensors and detectors to ensure the highest standards of automation and safety. This model has already achieved remarkable success and garnered widespread acclaim from users in China. 1,000 self-driving taxis The data collection and testing phase will commence with 50 vehicles in the coming months, gradually expanding to 1,000 autonomous taxis over the next three years, according to the established efficiency and service quality standards. This launch marks Apollo Go's first international expansion in the testing and operation of autonomous vehicles outside China mainland and Hong Kong. To date, the company has logged over 150 million kilometres of safe driving, enabling large-scale self-driving taxi services across multiple cities in China, in addition to the roll out of 100 per cent driverless operations. It has also completed more than 10 million autonomous trips, making it the world's largest operator of autonomous vehicle fleets. Global partnership The MoU was signed in the presence of Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Halton Niu, General Manager of Overseas Business at Baidu's Intelligent Driving Group (IDG). On behalf of the RTA, the MoU was signed by Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, while Liang Zhang, General Manager of Overseas Business, MENA, Baidu Intelligent Driving Group, signed on behalf of Baidu. Apollo Go, pioneers of the first autonomous taxi service in China, is leading efforts to integrate artificial intelligence, big data, and automation technologies to shape the smart cities of the future. 'This MoU aligns with the directives of our leadership to strengthen partnerships with global entities and leading companies, positioning the emirate at the forefront of implementing advanced and sustainable transport solutions,' Al Tayer noted. He pointed out the agreement marks a 'pivotal step' towards the realisation of Dubai's Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25 per cent of all trips in Dubai into autonomous journeys across various modes of transport by 2030. 'It also builds on the RTA's ongoing efforts to conduct operational trials of autonomous vehicles and units, a process that commenced in 2016.' Al Tayer said self-driving transport has become a reality, with global companies accelerating the development of the necessary technology and software. 'Governments, represented by the relevant authorities, are focusing on licensing autonomous vehicle operations, developing the required infrastructure, and establishing the rules and regulations that govern their use. RTA is committed to enhancing Dubai's global leadership in autonomous mobility by trialling various types of autonomous vehicles, air taxis, and marine transport, with the ultimate goal of achieving the objectives of Dubai's Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy,' Al Tayer noted. Niu said that Apollo Go is dedicated to delivering safe, sustainable, and efficient smart mobility services to cities worldwide. 'By working closely with local partners, we aim to develop transformative transportation solutions that empower communities and drive progress.'
