Dubai is studying and considering tests of ‘robot’ or driverless cars on its busy highways, the local transport agency said, after a Google executive declared he would “love” to bring the technology to the emirate.
So-called driverless cars navigate traffic and road signals automatically, using special sensors like radar, GPS and computer vision.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) says it is considering whether to allow tests of the robot cars, and how they may perform given the current road network and conditions.
“The RTA is currently studying the feasibility of testing the driverless cars with reference to the current traffic system, its adaptability to the technology and several other factors,” Abdul Mohsin Ibrahim Younes, the chief executive for strategy and corporate governance at the RTA.
Younes did not give any timeframe for possible test rides, when asked about the legality of using driverless cars on the streets of Dubai.
Several major car manufacturers including GM, Ford and Volkswagen are testing driverless car systems. But one of the best-known projects is by the internet giant Google, which has been conducting tests of its autonomous vehicles for several years.
Mohamad Mourad, regional manager for Google in the Middle East and North Africa, recently pointed out that he would “love” to bring driverless cars to Dubai.
“Will we see driverless cars in Dubai in the next five years? Maybe, yes. It’s not on my to-do list. But I would love to, yes,” said Mourad.
“The challenge there is first of all cost, for it to become accessible for everyone. And the other thing is regulation – to be able to get these cars on the streets around the world.”
Despite Mourad’s remarks, a Google spokeswoman insisted there are no current plans for driverless cars in the region.
“Google has no plans to bring driverless cars to the Middle East,” the spokeswoman declared.
