Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is setting a $5 million challenge to find the best self-driving transport in the world.
The Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, in collaboration with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), is split into three categories: leaders of five companies from different countries; start-ups; and academia for university and college students.
The five short-listed companies are, NAVYA, EasyMile, GAUSSIN, Westfield, and 2getthere.
Participants will be put through their paces on a route in Dubai Silicon Oasis equipped with water sprinklers, different sizes of road humps, sand blasting machines and more. DSOA has also designated a light industrial unit for competitors, which includes an office space, meeting rooms, an area designated for tests and workshops.
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency and chairman of organising committee of Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, RTA, said: “The focus will be on First/Last Mile Challenge, which is the theme of the first edition of the challenge. Tests will also examine the ability and efficiency of vehicles to provide passenger services under the prevailing local environment and climatic conditions of Dubai.
“Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority has set a dedicated route and we worked with them in designing digital maps for carrying the test-runs required. The five companies, along with their teams and vehicles, are now in Dubai gearing up for participating in these tests next month.”
The challenge will run until September 9. Winners of the three categories will be announced at the sidelines of the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, which RTA will organise in October.
Follow us on
