Authorities in Hengqin, an island in Zhuhai, China, have initiated extensive testing of autonomous minibuses and robotaxis on public roads. The minibuses, which lack steering wheels, are monitored by safety personnel seated at the rear. According to an official from Hengqin’s Urban Planning and Construction Bureau, the minibuses utilize a 360° perception system powered by redundant sensors and sensor fusion algorithms, giving them the ability to operate without blind spots.
The tests have proceeded smoothly, with no accidents or human intervention required thus far. In addition, full-scale road testing of robotaxis has commenced. Under current regulations, these vehicles can carry passengers for demonstration purposes after completing 1,000km of road testing and are expected to begin commercial operations next month.
This expansion of autonomous vehicle testing follows a recent decision by the Hengqin government to open all 330km of the island’s roads to driverless vehicle trials. Officials stated that the move aims to facilitate more comprehensive testing, improve data collection and enhance public confidence in driverless technology.