Singapore Embraces Driverless Transport With Growing Network of Autonomous Vehicle Trials
Singapore is rapidly emerging as a global leader in autonomous vehicle technology.
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The city-state has designated several "test bed" areas to trial different autonomous driving technologies and scenarios. Major companies like nuTonomy, Aptiv and Volvo Cars are partnering with the government and various Institutes of Higher Learning on pilot programs. This real-world testing aims to help Singapore smoothly transition to driverless transport.
One North, Singapore's largest science park, opened the nation's first test facility for autonomous vehicles in 2017. Spread over 1.5 square kilometers, it provides a controlled environment for companies to hone self-driving capabilities. So far, nuTonomy has conducted over 35,000 driverless taxi rides there, carrying passengers within a limited five square kilometer zone. This follows a series of earlier trials on designated roads and expressways.
Jurong Island Readies for Autonomous Buses
Another key trial site under development is Jurong Island. Home to Singapore's major petrochemical plants, this industrial zone can benefit greatly from autonomous transportation. Construction is underway to upgrade existing roads and infrastructure for driverless vehicles. JTC Corporation plans to introduce self-driving electric shuttles and buses by 2021. These will move workers within the sprawling island complex, helping reduce accident risks in hazardous areas. The goal is to establish Singapore's first fully autonomous bus service here.
Expressways Get Self-Driving Makeover
Singapore's Land Transport Authority is working closely with partners to launch autonomous services on highways too. Major expressways like Bukit Timah Expressway and Seletar Expressway have been designated for testing connected and driverless vehicle technologies. Volvo Cars partnered with local autonomous tech company nuTonomy to conduct a series of trials with safety drivers on these routes, gathering valuable data on road conditions and traffic behaviors at high speeds. Such initiatives aim to eventually enable fully unmanned driving on Singapore's expressway network.
Singapore Embraces Driverless Transport With Growing Network of Autonomous Vehicle Trials: https://www.coherentmi.com/blog/singapore-embraces-driverless-transport-with-growing-network-of-autonomous-vehicle-trials-100
