Singapore launches first public trial of autonomous taxis
nuTonomy begins offering free rides in driverless electric taxis to invited users in Singapore’s business district, aiming for a full-scale service by 2018.
nuTonomy, a software company specialising in self-driving technology, has started the world’s first public trial of autonomous taxis in Singapore. The pilot scheme, launched in August 2016, allows selected residents to book free rides using a smartphone app within a designated business district.
The service currently operates a fleet of six vehicles, split between modified Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Renault Zoe electric hatchbacks. Each car is fitted with six LIDAR units and dual dashboard cameras for navigation and data collection. Although marketed as driverless, a nuTonomy engineer sits behind the wheel during every trip, ready to intervene if necessary. The rides are free, with users selected and invited to participate in the trial.
How the Singapore trial works
The trial is limited to Singapore’s one-north business district, an area chosen for its mix of offices, housing and research facilities. Users book rides through nuTonomy’s app, specifying pickup and drop-off points within the zone. The company plans to double the number of vehicles by the end of 2016, expanding both the data collected and the number of participants.
nuTonomy’s approach contrasts with other autonomous vehicle projects, such as public road testing in California and Germany, by offering actual passenger rides rather than closed-course demonstrations or limited pilot schemes. For background on earlier autonomous testing permits, see California Issues First Autonomous Car Testing Permits to Audi, Google and Mercedes-Benz.
Next steps for nuTonomy
The company is collecting operational data to refine its software and safety systems, aiming for a fully commercial robo-taxi service in Singapore by 2018. nuTonomy is also working with international partners, including Jaguar Land Rover in the UK, to expand its technology into other markets. The Singapore trial is intended to prove both the technical viability and public acceptance of autonomous taxis ahead of wider deployment.
The pilot comes as major manufacturers and technology firms increase their investment in autonomous driving, with public road trials underway in the US, Germany and elsewhere. Unlike some, nuTonomy’s project is focused on urban electric vehicles and real-world passenger use, rather than private car ownership or highway driving.
If successful, the Singapore scheme could accelerate the adoption of autonomous taxis in other cities, subject to regulatory approval and continued technical development.
