I took an Uber and got a car (almost) without a driver
I am in Abu Dhabi and as usual when I am in these parts to get around I use two Careem apps [...]
United Arab Emirates
I find myself at Abu Dhabi and as usual when I'm around here to get around I use two apps Careem and Uber, do a quick search of which one costs the least to get to my destination and book.
In this article:
If this already seems like a science fiction scene for us Italians. considering the Cab situation in cities and airports, let alone imagine taking a self-driving cab that gets you from point A to B without question, even if you only have to go 2km.
In Abu Dhabi, the largest robotaxi fleet outside the U.S. and China
Uber and WeRide have launched the first autonomous vehicle service on Uber outside the United States, marking the largest commercial robotaxi operation outside the U.S. and China. The service, supported by the Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Centre, operates in key areas such as Al Saadiyat Island, Yas Island and along routes to Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The other operator is TXAI uses a fleet of machines with similar technology, mounted, however, on machines that are all different. To reserve them, it is necessary to use the proprietary app, I couldn't because the SMS to validate the account wasn't coming to me.
Initially, each vehicle has a security operator on board, with plans to launch a fully autonomous service by the end of 2025.
My experience aboard a robotaxi
We left the hotel at Yas Island and had to get to the Louvre about 30 km away, I open Uber and make a reservation like dozens of other times.
The confirmation appears to me, but unlike usual an alert comes. The app informs me that the ride will be made by a driverless car, but that if I am not comfortable I can opt for a traditional car.
I have no idea how many cars there are around the capital of the Emirates, but while I was waiting for my car, another autonomous cab arrived to unload a passenger.
Since everything is automatic to open the door you have to stand near the car and through the app, unlock the doors.
However, I noticed something strange, sitting in the driver's seat was a person. Chatting I found out that he doesn't drive, doesn't touch the steering wheel, doesn't use the pedals. He basically serves as a human "assistant" who explains to passengers how to enter/exit and then is merely a vigilante with his hands on his knees throughout the journey.
Once you get on board, the car does not move until you have fastened the belts of all the passengers and click "parts" on the screen located on the two front seats. The ride then is totally automatic, the driver does absolutely nothing, in fact no: he listens to music in his headphones.
The car travels respecting speed limits, overtaking, stopping at stoplights and crossing intersections. All the way to our destination, here the security officer comes back to life, inviting us to wait until we reach the parking area before unbuckling and opening the door.
PS for the avoidance of doubt, there is no savings between the two products.
