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WeRide, a leading global player in autonomous driving technology, has announced that its Robosweeper S6 and Robosweeper S1 have obtained critical autonomous vehicle licenses from Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA). With the Milestone Testing Regime Level 1 (M1) License and T1 Assessment License, respectively, these Robosweepers are now authorized to conduct pilot operations on designated public roads and paths after passing required tests. This achievement marks a significant step in WeRide’s overseas expansion strategy.
Key Highlights:
- M1 and T1 licenses: The Robosweeper S6 obtained the M1 License for public roads, while the Robosweeper S1 secured the T1 License for public paths.
- Safety and reliability focus: Both licenses reflect rigorous LTA assessments on technical safety and reliability for autonomous vehicles.
- Pilot operations approved: Robosweepers can now conduct pilot operations in Singapore, showcasing their autonomous capabilities in real-world scenarios.
- Contribution to labor shortages: Autonomous sanitation vehicles help address labor shortages in the local sanitation industry.
- Government support: Singapore’s Minister for Transport emphasized the nation’s commitment to promoting autonomous driving technology.
The T1 and M1 licenses are part of comprehensive assessments by the LTA, evaluating technical safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles. Earlier, in December 2023, WeRide’s Robobus also obtained both licenses in a short span of three months, demonstrating the company’s growing expertise in the field.
According to the Centre of Excellence for Testing & Research of Autonomous Vehicles – NTU (CETRAN), the T1 license emphasizes technical reliability and response accuracy in complex environments for vehicles on public paths. This highlights the safety and efficiency of WeRide’s Robosweeper S1 in navigating public paths.
The M1 license covers broader autonomous driving capabilities, including obstacle recognition, avoidance, and overall safety performance. During testing, the Robosweeper S6 successfully completed challenging tasks such as complex turns, lane keeping, and dynamic responses in a simulated urban road environment in Singapore, showcasing its advanced technology and flexibility.
In June 2024, the first batch of Robosweepers arrived in Singapore, and in just over four months, secured necessary licenses to begin operations. Prominent Singaporean media, including Lianhe Zaobao and The Straits Times, reported that the LTA aims to prioritize autonomous technology for fixed routes and low-speed operations due to their relatively lower associated risks. Additionally, autonomous sanitation vehicles can effectively address the labor shortages plaguing the sanitation industry.
Chee Hong Tat, Minister for Transport of Singapore, discussed the country’s initiatives at the Singapore International Transport Congress and Exhibition (SITCE) 2024. He stated that the LTA is optimizing its evaluation framework to promote autonomous driving further, with a focus on public safety and efficiency.
Tony Han, Founder and CEO of WeRide, delivered a keynote address at SITCE 2024, where he emphasized the potential of autonomous technology to reshape urban transport systems. Han mentioned that WeRide aims to align with Singapore’s local policies on autonomous sanitation development and strengthen partnerships for accelerating the commercial deployment of its Robosweepers, ultimately contributing to Singapore’s vision of a smart and green city.
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