Alexander Dennis has completed its on-track testing in the UAE of an Enviro200AV as part of a global competition which forms part of the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport (DBWCSDT) on 26-27 September.
The UK-based manufacturer, along with its partner Fusion Processing, is one of just six global consortia shortlisted for the contest, having submitted one of five vehicles built for the pioneering CAVForth project. The UK’s first autonomous bus service launched in May and takes passengers 14 miles across the Forth Road Bridge between Ferrytoll park-and-ride site in Fife and Edinburgh Park transport interchange.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has arranged the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport partly with a view to choosing a solution to help fulfil is strategy for 25% of all transportation trips in the city being smart and driverless by 2030. Finalists will be evaluated on potential to be used in Dubai, as well as on the technology’s performance. The winner will be announced at the Congress in September.
The test track in Dubai captures near real-life traffic conditions, including 21 case scenarios ranging from autonomously bypassing obstacles safely to severe weather conditions like sandstorms. Each shortlisted company receives a mobilisation grant from RTA.
Alexander Dennis Head of Concepts & Advanced Engineering, Jamie Wilson, who led the team in Dubai, says: “This has been a great opportunity to build on the great work we’ve done with our partners in the CAVForth project and test our autonomous bus under further traffic conditions.
“We’re extremely grateful to RTA for giving us the chance to show the capabilities of our Enviro200AV and we hope to continue the conversation on how we can support RTA’s strategy.”
Alexander Dennis Group Engineering Director, Chris Gall, adds: “Our selection as one of only six finalists globally is a fantastic credit to the amazing work done by our engineering team and our partners at Fusion. Our spirit of innovation makes Alexander Dennis a technology leader recognised on the world stage.”
Fusion Processing CEO, Jim Hutchinson, says: “The successful testing in Dubai is another great step in our collaboration with the team at Alexander Dennis. Fusion’s CAVStar Autonomous Level 4 system will allow Alexander Dennis to offer bus operators transformational improvements in safety, operational efficiency and cost.”
