The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of Abu Dhabi announced the expansion of its autonomous RoboTaxi trials on Sunday, advancing its plans for a full-scale rollout of driverless taxi services by 2026. The project is a collaboration between ITC, Autogo — a subsidiary of Kintsugi Holding — and China’s Baidu, leveraging its Apollo Go autonomous driving platform.
This latest phase sees the deployment of Baidu’s sixth-generation RoboTaxi vehicle (RT6), which features an electric powertrain and advanced artificial intelligence systems for smart navigation and real-time adaptation to road conditions. The initiative forms part of Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to adopt smart mobility solutions that support sustainability, digital transformation, and enhanced quality of urban life.
“The expansion of the autonomous RoboTaxi service in Abu Dhabi marks a pivotal milestone in our journey towards smart mobility,” said Dr. Abdulla AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre. “We are committed to leveraging the latest technologies to make mobility smarter and safer, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in this field.”
Designed to align with the emirate’s regulatory frameworks and infrastructure goals, the trials are currently being conducted in carefully monitored areas. The RT6 vehicles are equipped to navigate complex environments, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional transport.
Sean Teo, General Manager of Kintsugi Holding, emphasized the long-term impact of the initiative. “The start of a new operational phase of the RoboTaxi service in Abu Dhabi marks the beginning of a transformative shift in urban mobility,” he said. “Autonomous taxis serve two vital objectives: improving road safety and enabling more sustainable transport.”
The expansion represents a significant step forward in the transition from pilot testing to broader deployment. Abu Dhabi Mobility confirmed that the rollout will be gradual, based on real-world performance data and user feedback collected during the trial period.
As part of its Vision 2030 objectives, Abu Dhabi aims to become a global hub for innovation in smart transport, integrating autonomous technologies to reduce congestion, cut emissions, and provide safer mobility options. The RoboTaxi initiative is one of several high-tech transport programs under way in the emirate, aligning with broader national goals to modernize infrastructure and improve quality of life through digital solutions.
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