Dubai residents are getting a first look at how driverless transport could become part of the city’s future, with an autonomous electric pod system undergoing a four-week trial at Bluewaters Island.
The Glydways system uses compact electric pods designed to carry four to six passengers. The vehicles can travel at speeds of up to 50km/h and operate on dedicated guideways rather than mixing with conventional road traffic.
The system uses cameras, radar and artificial intelligence to navigate. Passengers could eventually request a pod when needed rather than relying on traditional fixed schedules.
The current trial will allow the Roads and Transport Authority to assess safety, reliability, journey times and the overall passenger experience before any decisions are made about wider deployment.
For commuters, the technology could eventually provide a new option for short journeys and connections between major transport hubs and destinations. Residents on Bluewaters Island have already expressed interest in whether the pods could make journeys easier and reduce the need for short car trips.