Dubai: Dubai’s dream of having driverless vehicles on roads has moved a step closer to realisation with a new deal that will see live HD maps built supporting autonomous technology.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Tuesday that Dubai will soon have live high-definition road maps that will be compatible with driverless technology after the authority signed an MoU with HERE Technologies.
The MoU paves the way for a long-term technology collaboration with the aim of mapping the city with high-definition technology for the first time.
HD mapping is a prerequisite element to moving Dubai closer to its goal of turning 25 per cent of its public transport into self-driving services by 2030.
Both parties plan to deploy newly available location technologies in the development of a data infrastructure to support safe, sustainable and efficient autonomous transportation.
These efforts are part of Dubai’s Smart City strategy and its self-driving transport road map, which ultimately aim to increase the quality of life for people in Dubai.
As part of their planned cooperation, RTA and HERE intend to conduct some pilot studies aimed at enabling HD Live Map, HERE’s map, for autonomous cars, for public service vehicles operating in Dubai.
HD Live Map is a high-definition and self-updating map designed to provide vehicles with accurate information about what is happening on the road.
Abdullah Al Madani, CEO of RTA’s Corporate Technology Support Services Sector, and Leon van de Pas, senior vice-president, Internet of Things at HERE Technologies signed the MOU.
“RTA has always been a forerunner in harnessing the most sophisticated technologies through collaborating with the world’s best providers, taking into consideration the contribution to make Dubai the world’s smartest city and make its residents, tourists and visitors happy and satisfied,” said Al Madani.
After signing the MoU, De Pas said: “Dubai recognises the importance of new location technologies in making transportation more efficient, safer and sustainable for people. Driven by our vision of enabling an autonomous world for everyone, the HERE Technologies team is excited and energised to help Dubai deliver on its ambitious plans for a driverless future.”
