Dubai launches self
2024-10-08 02:19:20

It might not be flying taxis, but self-driving taxis on the road started test runs in Dubai on Sunday.

At the technology show, GITEX Technology Week, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, or RTA, showed off its autonomous taxi service.

The driverless car service kicked off at the show and will run for the next three months in select parts of the city, according to transportation officials.

Mashable Light SpeedWant more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Thanks for signing up!
SEE ALSO:UberAir announces 5 countries that could host its flying taxi service

The cars are intended to connect passengers during the "first and last mile" to get from existing transportation systems to, say, a shopping mall or movie theater or other venue or to get back home.

Mashable ImageAn autonomous taxi will take passengers around Dubai.Credit: DUBAI RTA

The RTA said the cars go up about 20 mph and fit four passengers. Up front is a safety driver who can take over the car if needed. In promotional materials the cars are depicted without anyone in the front seat for a truly driverless experience, hinting at what the transportation agency could introduce later. The cars are modified Mercedes-Benz sedans with cameras, sensors, and LiDAR system built into the car.

The taxis come after Dubai tested self-driving passenger drones for an air-based taxi system. That service hasn't taken off yet for the general public to use.

View this post on Instagram

A release about the taxi service hailed the program for its contribution in "transforming Dubai into the smartest city in the world."


Featured Video For You
Airbus' drone taxi has successfully completed its first 53-second test flight

(作者:产品中心)