Smart_Vehicles

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has commissioned a study of using autonomous cars in the country during Expo 2020.

RTA chairman of the board and executive director Mattar Al Tayer said: "Autonomous cars (driverless vehicles) are the latest developments of the global smart mobility systems, and this technology is based on electric vehicles fitted with smart sensors to enhance the safety element and avoid crashes.

"The smart vehicle has multioperational techniques as it can operate within moving vehicles environment without necessarily requiring connectivity with the control centre. Examples of this include ceasing motion in the event of traffic disruption, perceiving the road condition, as well as traffic signals, and pedestrian movement among others."

"This technology is based on electric vehicles fitted with smart sensors to enhance the safety element and avoid crashes."

The driverless vehicle can be completely controlled by a control centre without the need for a driver in an automated, internet-based control system.

Smart vehicles, which provide mobility solutions to all users, can be programmed to lift passengers by moving in pre-designated lanes to feed public transport stations.

Vital centres can also be linked to alleviate the need of private vehicles, mitigating road congestions, easing the demand of parking spaces, and doing away with environmental pollution and the waste of resources.

The latest initiative has been adopted to endorse 2015 as a year of innovation in the UAE

The RTA, which aims to provide a safe transport environment for residents amd visitors of Dubai through the latest initiative, has set up a team for studying the use of these vehicles to map out a strategy and a work plan for addressing the latest developments.

Image: The driverless vehicle needs no driver and can be completely controlled by a control centre. Photo: courtesy of Roads and Transport Authority.