Since more robotaxis hit the streets of major cities from the US to China, Chinese companies in Singapore are first launching Robobus and taking an alternative route.
In Santosa of the resort island in Singapore, the eight-seats’ minibus were developed by the knotless ferry passengers around the surrounding drivers.
Robobus of Nasdaq-list Veride is the first perfect driver-free passenger bus to operate in Singapore without a security officer, although no one monitors the ride.
The product of a partnership project between Veride and Resort Group Resorts World Santosa, Robobus runs a certain route, and is free to use.
If all go away easily, Veride planned to expand its driverless services in the city-state. Others find priced to follow the suit. Chinese autonomous-driving vehicle firms are already accumulating in the Middle East as they expand abroad, and Singapore is an ideal goal.
The densely populated urban areas, an established public transport system, and well -maintained roads make Singapore attractive. The city-state also has a track record of opening up for New Tech, including being the first in the world to approve labs.
Singapore’s Veride General Manager Kerry Zoo said, “Singapore has unique benefits” to adopt driverless technology. “Here, people follow traffic rules very strictly, not in China.”
A successful Robobus rollout will be a major win for Veride as it competes for new markets against the hedgeful colleagues against economic headwinds at home.
Its rival also wants a piece of action.
“Singapore represents a strategic market for our global expansion,” said James Peng, the Chief Executive of AI, who makes the “Big Three” of China’s robotax firms with Veride and Tech Giant Badu.
Peng said Pony AI is planning a robotaxi test in Singapore in collaboration with local partner Commurdelgro in Singapore.
The Wall Street Journal also stated in June that Badu could enter the Southeast Asia market earlier this year, focusing primary focus in Singapore and Malaysia.
Analysts feel that efforts can be paid.
Chinese robotaxi companies come up with advanced algorithms, comprehensive testing and sophisticated vehicles equipped with sensors and operational experiences, said the head of Greater China Technology Research of Alan Chang, Goldman Sachs. He said that ramp-up should be rapidly supported in Singapore.
Autonomous vehicles also align with the schemes of the Singapore government.
Singapore unveiled its first national standards for autonomous vehicles in 2018, forming the basis for their final integration in the public transport system. In July, the government formed a committee to guide the rollout of autonomous vehicles, in which Veride and Alphabet Inc. The CEOs of Wemo are included, as well as ride–hailing platforms Grab and Comfortedlgro.
James Lu, head of Dutash Bank’s Miscellaneous Industries Group, said, “Autonomous vehicles extend beyond the ambitious robotaxis of Singapore and include driverless buses, public cleaning and waste collection vehicles, increasing the market attraction for Chinese robotax companies.”
The lack of drivers and high demand adds to the appeal of automation.
AV technology can help reduce manpower obstacles in Singapore, which, according to the Land Transport Authority, is facing a tight labor market by the aging population.
China-Singapur relationship smooth the way to trade in the city-state, DB’s Lu said, “Given that the investment flows freely between the two sides.” Since 2009, a China-Singapore free-business agreement has been signed.
Nevertheless, challenges remain.
In Goldman Sachs, Chang said that local job markets, security concerns and possible impact on regulatory compliance are all obstacles for automation.
Determination of liability in case of accidents is a major issue for driverless public transport – a one that will need to resolve officers, insurers and robotaxi industry, said.
It is not stopping the varied, which looks at the strict regulatory background as a plus.
“From a long -term perspective, Singapore’s regulation and environmental is great for commercial operations,” Ju said.
Write to Ziahui Huang [email protected]
