Working prototypes of unmanned public transport of the future were demonstrated in Dubai.
Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched the world's first unmanned capsule test at the World Government Summit in the Emirate.
Madinat Jumeirah showed two full-scale prototypes of a mobile transportation system. Capsules are designed and engineered by NEXT Future Transportation Inc.
Dr. Emanuele Spera, CEO and founder of NEXT, said: “We did not need to convince Dubai. Dubai is open to innovation and they are trying to bring together technicians, scientists and analysts to achieve the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice UAE President and Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai. "
According to RTA reports, self-contained capsules are designed to travel short distances and medium-range distances in dedicated lanes. They can be almost instantly connected or disconnected depending on specific requirements. Capsules are equipped with cameras and electromechanical technologies for the implementation of adhesion and disconnection processes. These functions can be activated in motion.
Each capsule has a length of 2.87 m, a width of 2.24 m and a height of 2.82 m. It weighs about 1.5 thousand kg and can accommodate 10 passengers (six seated, four standing). The capsules are equipped with a battery that supports 3 hours of work and charges in six hours. The average vehicle speed is 20 km / h.
RTA strives to provide safety for passengers of all types of vehicles, so the new capsules have three protection systems. The main system consists of 3D cameras, the second - the backup system - relies on conventional cameras, and the latter is manually controlled by the operator.
