Dubai is well on its way to becoming a smart city. Recently, Dubai RTA tested driverless taxis in April. Dubai’s RTA and Cruise, a self-driving technology company, started the process of data collection and testing the technology for Dubai’s traffic signals, signage, drivers’ behaviour and other details. The testing took place in Jumeirah 1 area. But, that’s not just how futuristic the city is! In a recent update, the Dubai RTA has started the trial operation of a driverless electric abra. Yes, you read that right! This means Dubai residents can soon enjoy a ride on the Dubai waters without a ‘driver’. Here’s what we know so far.
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The driverless abra can carry 8 riders with abra stations docked in 4 areas
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has embarked on a trial operation of the ‘First Autonomous Electric Abra’, with a capacity to carry eight riders. It was manufactured locally at RTA’s Al Garhoud Marine Maintenance Centre, featuring a design that preserves the heritage identity of abras. The initial journey of this abra took place from Al Jaddaf Station to the Festival City Station on Dubai Creek.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA said: “The operation of the Autonomous Electric Abra is in line with RTA’s efforts to achieve Dubai’s Strategy for Self-Driving Transport that aims to convert 25% of the total mobility journeys in Dubai into self-driving journeys by 2030. It also contributes to the realisation of Dubai’s master plan to curb carbon emissions of public transport means as per the requirements of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.”
“The Autonomous Electric Abra boasts superb features highlighted by zero carbon emissions, lower operating and maintenance costs by 30%, and the elimination of noise compared to diesel-powered models. It is equipped with two electric motors with a maximum speed of seven knots. It has an autonomous control system and four lithium batteries that ensure an operating time of seven hours. RTA adopted new technologies in designing the structure of the Autonomous Electric Abra and used fibreglass in the hull to reduce the weight.”, he added.
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how does the system work?
The automated self-driving system is powered by radars and cameras that help it ‘see’ and navigate. Advanced technology detects threats and responds when needed.
During the trial run so far, the Autonomous Electric Abra achieved Level 4 out of the 6 levels of the international autonomy levels for ship design and operation. The trials, which were carried out in cooperation with Exalto Emirates and Marakeb companies, included operating and running fully autonomous procedures independent of the captain, who acts only as operation supervisor to intervene only if needed.
The autonomous procedures ensure 100% adherence to the predetermined line given the effects of the waves and wind. The procedures also detect obstacles in the navigational path, notify the control centre of any system defect or deviation from the operating plan, intervene if the abra faces an obstacle during the journey, and programme additional scenarios to cope with the situation.
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“RTA will develop automated anchoring operations and scenarios for making decisions during maneuvering and emergency, follow up the maturity of the system to reach Level 5 of autonomy levels, and coordinate with the Dubai Maritime City Authority in matters related to the legislation of autonomous marine means,” added Al Tayer.
The RTA has developed a master plan to develop the marine transport means, which is vital for smooth mobility in the Emirate. Marine transport ferried about 16 million riders in 2022. The plan includes the development of four traditional abra stations in Dubai Creek namely Bur Dubai, Deira Old Souk, Dubai Old Souk, and Al Sabkha Stations. The plan envisages increasing the capacity of the abra stations by 33%, using advanced technologies to reduce maintenance costs and increase the lifespan of assets, improving the lighting of stations and marinas, and providing facilities for customers and investment areas.
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