Singapore’s Land Transport Authority has granted WeRide and Grab full approval to conduct autonomous vehicle testing with their complete Ai.R fleet throughout the Punggol district. The milestone marks Singapore’s first residential autonomous shuttle service deployment and represents a significant expansion of autonomous mobility infrastructure in Southeast Asia’s most advanced AV testing market.
Highlights
- Fleet Expansion: Eleven autonomous vehicles—ten five-seat GXRs and one eight-seat Robobus—commenced testing in mid-October 2025, with test runs scheduled to quadruple by year-end
- Commercial Launch Timeline: Public passenger service targeting early 2026 across two dedicated shuttle routes connecting Punggol Coast MRT station, shopping centers, and medical facilities
- Workforce Development: First cohort of ten-plus Grab driver-partners progressing through Safety Operator training, transitioning from closed-circuit to on-road supervision
- Technical Specifications: 360-degree sensor coverage with LiDAR and camera arrays providing 200-meter detection range in all weather conditions
Operational Testing Protocol
Route Localization and AI Model Training
The AV test program focuses on real-world data acquisition for AI driving model localization. Test vehicles analyze road infrastructure geometry, traffic flow patterns, and local road user behavior characteristics specific to Punggol’s residential environment. Weather adaptation protocols address tropical conditions including sudden precipitation and intense solar glare scenarios.
Performance Calibration Requirements
Precision Driving Capabilities: Vehicles rehearse turn timing execution, acceleration/deceleration smoothness, and obstacle clearance distance optimization across operational routes.
Urban Navigation Scenarios: Testing protocols emphasize tight-radius turns on narrow residential streets and parking structures while maintaining safety margins from fixed obstacles, pedestrians, and moving vehicles.
Passenger Interface Operations: Calibration procedures target gradual deceleration profiles and centimeter-accurate stopping at designated boarding points for seamless passenger boarding and alighting.
Technical Architecture
The sensor suite configuration integrates multiple LiDAR units with camera arrays delivering 360-degree environmental perception. Detection capability extends 200 meters in all directions with maintained functionality during adverse weather events. This architecture enables real-time hazard identification and dynamic response protocols.
Safety Operator Training Program
GrabAcademy and WeRide’s collaborative training initiative recruited experienced Grab driver-partners for Safety Operator certification. The curriculum progresses through theoretical instruction, closed-circuit practical training, and supervised on-road operations. Safety Operators maintain continuous oversight during testing phases and initial public service operations.
Azman Bin Rahmad, an Ai.R Safety Operator trainee, noted the program provides direct exposure to autonomous vehicle operations and performance optimization feedback loops while building expertise in advanced mobility technology supporting Singapore’s transportation infrastructure evolution.
Company Positioning
WeRide operates as a publicly traded autonomous driving technology provider with testing and operational presence across 30 cities in 11 countries. The company holds autonomous driving permits in seven jurisdictions: China, UAE, Singapore, France, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and the United States. Fortune recognized WeRide in its 2025 Change the World and Future 50 rankings.
Grab operates Southeast Asia’s leading superapp platform across eight countries serving over 800 cities, integrating delivery, mobility, and digital financial services. The company’s Singapore operations include GXS Bank digital banking services alongside core transportation and logistics offerings.
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