Chinese autonomous driving company WeRide has launched its Robobus shuttle service at Zurich Airport, marking a significant expansion into the European market. The initiative represents a collaboration between WeRide, Flughafen Zürich, and Swiss Transit Lab, and signifies a major step in integrating autonomous systems into one of Europe’s prominent aviation hubs.
Flughafen Zürich praised WeRide’s technology as thoroughly tested and compliant with all legal, safety, and data protection standards in place at the airport. WeRide's deployment success builds upon its previous projects in Europe, notably the recent autonomous shuttle service during the 2024 French Open at Roland-Garros. The company, founded in 2017, specializes in autonomous systems ranging from SAE Level 2 to Level 4 and has been active in research, development, and operations across 30 cities in seven countries. Recently, WeRide was listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “WRD,” with expectations to raise approximately $458.5 million.
Zurich Airport, known for its complex operational environment and challenging climates, presents unique hurdles for autonomous vehicle technologies. WeRide asserts that their technical prowess and experience have adequately addressed these challenges, resulting in a robust and reliable autonomous shuttle solution. As part of the initial deployment, WeRide's Robobus, which can ferry nine passengers, will operate with a safety driver on board, eventually transitioning to remote monitoring. This rollout follows WeRide’s autonomous Robotaxi mapping mission at the airport, suggesting broader future applications for their technology in Switzerland.
The Robobus will transport Zurich Airport employees along a designated route from Gate 101 to Gate 130, with service set to commence in the first quarter of 2025. WeRide’s involvement with the Swiss Transit Lab will ensure seamless operational integration. The airport has ongoing collaborations with Brussels and Amsterdam, further testing similar autonomous driving technologies.
The implementation of autonomous vehicles at airports like Zurich provides a distinct operational environment compared to traditional roadways. Airports, while controlled for specific activities, introduce their own complexities due to heavy and unpredictable traffic patterns. Such a setting necessitates precise mapping and extensive training for AVs to navigate efficiently.
WeRide's venture aligns with similar initiatives by other companies, emphasizing varied approaches to integrating autonomous technologies at airports. In the U.S., Beep launched autonomous shuttles at Honolulu Airport earlier in 2024 as part of an 18-month trial, backed by Hawai’i Department of Transportation and Sustainability Partners. Meanwhile, Waymo, owned by Alphabet, offers a robotaxi service at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, providing an alternative model where commuters are transported from city points or directly from the airport.
What sets WeRide apart in this burgeoning market is its focused operational route within the airport precinct, offering controlled shuttle services exclusive to airport employees. This contrasts with other service models aiming for broader city connectivity, such as Waymo’s operations.
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