SINGAPORE: Driverless buses meant for public transport will be
tested from early 2019 at Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU)
test circuit in Jurong, under a collaboration with Volvo.
Both parties signed an agreement on Thursday (Jan 11) to test two
40-seater autonomous electric buses at NTU’s Centre of Excellence
for Testing and Research of Autonomous Vehicles. The test circuit
replicates road conditions in Singapore, with common traffic
schemes, road infrastructure and traffic rules.
It also features a rain simulator and flood zone to test the
vehicles' navigation abilities under tropical weather
conditions.
The trial will be supported by transport operator SMRT, which will
be involved in determining the roadworthiness of the driverless
electric buses.
One of the buses will undergo tests at a bus depot managed by SMRT,
to assess the vehicle's ability to autonomously navigate vehicle
washing bays and park safely at charging areas.
If successful, SMRT said the buses will serve commuters in the
coming years, although it did not give a timeline.
The 12m-long buses will be equipped with self-driving technologies
such as laser systems for charting and detecting obstacles, as well
as an integrated navigation system that includes automated
steering, gear changing and speed throttling
capabilities.
According to Volvo, the buses require 80 per cent less energy
than a diesel bus of the same size. Although it will be more
expensive to purchase the autonomous electric bus, operational
costs will be lower.
Said SMRT CEO Desmond Kuek: "We will leverage our extensive
experience operating and maintaining buses to support the eventual
deployment of autonomous vehicles safely on our roads in the
future.
"Autonomous buses are expected to be fielded in larger scale under
the future land transport master plan. Such vehicles will allow
optimal deployment of manpower, enabling buses to be deployed on
the roads for safe, timely and efficient services, day and night,
in all weather and traffic conditions.”
NTU and Volvo will also be working with technology company ABB to
develop charging solutions for the electric vehicle.