Dubai South, the largest single-urban master development focusing on aviation, logistics, and real estate, has announced the successful completion of the first stage of the UAE’s autonomous vehicle trials. This initiative was carried out in partnership with Evocargo, a prominent provider of autonomous logistics services.
Successful completion of the first stage trials
The trials were conducted on a predefined route within a closed area of the Dubai South Logistics District. During this stage, Evocargo thoroughly checked and validated the hardware, software, and reliability of its unmanned electric truck, the Evocargo N1, for future deployment in the Logistics District.
Emphasis on safety, performance testing
The autonomous navigation tests placed a strong emphasis on safety, involving interactions with other participants such as automobiles, trucks, and pedestrians. The Evocargo N1’s performance was evaluated in various scenarios, including object detection, accident prevention, collision avoidance with moving obstacles, and emergency stops. The truck’s autopilot system was also tested across a full range of manoeuvers, including parking, reverse parking, turning, and reverse turning. Additionally, the control center’s functionality, including route management, remote monitoring, and control, was thoroughly tested.
No reported incidents
No failures or potentially hazardous incidents were reported during the series of tests. Evocargo has also prepared a comprehensive report detailing the trial results across two stages. In the second stage, the Evocargo N1 platform carried out freight transportation tasks on a standard route in a closed area, and its ability to respond to the surrounding environment in mixed traffic was extensively tested, meeting high validation standards.
Establishing Dubai as a global logistics powerhouse
Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of the Logistics District – Dubai South, expressed the organization’s pride in this groundbreaking milestone, stating that it is a testament to Dubai South’s commitment to aligning with the UAE’s vision of establishing Dubai as a global logistics powerhouse. He emphasized that the collaboration with Evocargo has reinforced the UAE’s position in the industry and set a progressive stage for significant advancements within the regional logistics sector.
Read more: WGS 2024: Dubai aims for 25 percent autonomous vehicles by 2030
Pivotal role of autonomous vehicles in the future
Looking to the future, Ahmad highlighted the pivotal role that autonomous vehicles will play. They will revolutionize the industry. Autonomous vehicles will enhance efficiency, he added.
They will reduce the overall carbon footprint. This will create a sustainable and technologically advanced logistics infrastructure. This will benefit Dubai and the UAE, Ahmad further explained.
Attracting new customers and investments in the GCC countries
Moreover, Ahmed Al-Ansi, CEO of Evocargo Autonomous Logistic Services, shared that the trials aim to attract new customers and investments. The trials are focused on the GCC countries. These GCC countries are on track for world leadership in innovative technology, he added.
He further expressed Evocargo’s pride in being a pioneer in commercial cargo transportation using its own electric unmanned vehicles. Evocargo is one of the first providers of these cutting-edge services, he noted.
Dubai’s self-driving future takes shape
In December 2022, Dubai South and Evocargo have agreed to launch the first autonomous electric vehicle (EV) trials in the UAE. This partnership further aligns with the UAE’s commitment to building a sustainable future for the region. A memorandum of understanding was signed to consolidate this important initiative. This collaboration is part of Dubai’s long-term vision. The plan is to transform 25 percent of the total transportation network into self-driving vehicles by 2030.
Additionally, Dubai’s self-mobility strategy is expected to generate an annual economic revenue of AED22 billion. This revenue will be across various sectors. The strategy further showcases the significant potential of autonomous transportation technologies in the emirate.
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