"Uber and WeRide are now deploying fully driverless vehicles as part of its robotaxi service in the United Arab Emarites. Customers in Abu Dhabi who request an UberX or Uber Comfort may be matched with a fully autonomous WeRide vehicle if the route is part of the company's service area. Uber and Chinese autonomous vehicle operator WeRide first launched their robotaxi service with safety drivers back in December 2024. At the time, the companies they anticipated pulling safety drivers out of the vehicles the following year."
"Initially, the fully autonomous vehicles will only be available in select locations throughout the 12 square miles of Yas Island, a popular tourist destination in Abu Dhabi. Uber and WeRide say they will expand its fully driverless territory in the future. Customers interested in riding in a driverless car can select the "Autonomous" option in the Uber app for a better chance of being matched."
"The vehicles are WeRide's GXR equipped with over 20 sensors and cameras, and can seat up to five passengers. The GXR is based on Geely's Farizon SuperVan, which is also being used as a WeRide robotaxi in Beijing. Similar to Uber's partnership with Waymo in the US, the ridehailing company oversees fleet operations for WeRide's robotaxis in collaboration with taxi operator Tawasul Transport. This includes vehicle cleaning, maintenance, inspections, charging, and depot management. WeRide remains responsible for vehicle testing and sensor calibration."
Fully driverless WeRide vehicles now operate as part of Uber's robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi, matching riders who request UberX or Uber Comfort when trips fall within the service area. The robotaxi program began with safety drivers in December 2024 and planned to remove safety drivers thereafter. Initial deployments cover select locations across 12 square miles of Yas Island, with plans to expand the driverless territory. The fleet uses WeRide's GXR based on Geely's Farizon SuperVan, equipped with over 20 sensors and cameras. Uber handles fleet operations while WeRide manages testing and sensor calibration, and expansion to additional cities is planned.
Read at The Verge
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