Engadget Logo Japanese version Self-driving taxis will start operating in Dubai from 2023. Contracted with GM's Cruise

On April 12, 2021 (local time), General Motors' self-driving development company "Cruise" announced that it had signed a sales contract with the Dubai Road Transport Authority for the unmanned self-driving taxi "Origin." Did.

Cruise's "Origin" features a box-type vehicle with two rows of seats facing each other. The staff of Honda, which has a business tie-up, is also involved in the vehicle development, so it is actually a robot taxi that includes the essence of Japan.

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With more than 90% of accidents in Dubai caused by human error, the Dubai Road Transport Authority says the introduction of self-driving cars will help improve road safety levels. I hope. In addition, the use of autonomous driving technology will lead to a significant reduction in transportation costs and economic benefits of A$ 18 billion (about 1.5 trillion yen) annually.

Cruise tested a fully self-driving vehicle in San Francisco in December 2020, but the vehicle it plans to operate in Dubai has yet to be tested on public roads. In addition, when "Origin" was announced in January 2021, the company's CEO Dan Amann avoided making a statement about the future schedule, and there are still some uncertainties.

However, it will be a big step for Cruise's business to sign the first operating contract in Dubai, a global tourist destination, ahead of rivals in driving development. Cruise's move this time may be a prime move, and the world's self-driving business may accelerate rapidly.

Source: Cruise