Singapore Launches Autonomous Shuttle Service, WeRide Robobus Becomes a New Attraction at Resorts World Sentosa
Singapore, June 2024 — WeRide, after a month of meticulous preparation and trial operations, launched its autonomous Robobus, departed from the Equarius Hotel at Resorts World Sentosa with its first group of passengers, heading towards Resorts World Sentosa. This marks the official opening of Singapore’s first publicly accessible, L4-level autonomous Robobus route for passenger operations. It is also Singapore’s first service integrating manual shuttle passenger transport with autonomous micro-circulation shuttle minibus, and the first to connect a cluster of five-star hotels with a luxury resort through autonomous driving services.
The shuttle route, jointly launched by WeRide, Resorts World Sentosa, and EZ Buzz Pte. Ltd, spans 1.2 kilometers with 4 stops along the way, taking approximately 12 minutes to complete. Hotel guests and tourists can board the Robobus at the nearest stop. Since obtaining Singapore’s M1 and T1 public road licenses for autonomous vehicles in December 2023, WeRide has rapidly deployed the Robobus, setting a new industry benchmark for implementation speed.
(WeRide Robobus at Resorts World Sentosa)
(Mr. Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade & Industry, Culture, Community & Youth of Singapore and his delegation experienced the WeRide Robobus)
On June 20, Mr. Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade & Industry, Culture, Community & Youth of Singapore, visited Sentosa with his delegation to inspect and experience the autonomous driving shuttle robobus. He later shared on social media: “Two months ago, I visited WeRide’s autonomous technologies at their headquarters in Guangzhou. Yesterday, I witnessed their AV application here at Resorts World Sentosa!” He also noted that by integrating autonomous vehicle technology, we allow for a more productive use of our limited manpower resources and ensure a more sustainable and scalable transport solution.
(A Linkedin post by Mr. Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade & Industry, Culture, Community & Youth of Singapore)
As Asia’s premier lifestyle destination, Resorts World Sentosa combines Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Dolphin Island, Adventure Cove Waterpark, a cluster of five-star luxury hotels, an integrated resort, multiple theme parks, and numerous celebrity chef restaurants. For ten consecutive years, it has been recognized as the “Best Integrated Resort” by the TGG Travel Awards. The introduction of Robobus adds a touch of technological brilliance to Resorts World Sentosa.
(WeRide Robobus at Resorts World Sentosa)
WeRide Robobus is the world’s first purpose-built Level 4 autonomous driving minibus, specializing in micro-transit. It has been deployed and operated in nearly 30 cities worldwide, widely used in key cities, major passenger airports, luxury resorts, and popular tourist attractions. Wherever it runs, it becomes a popular spot for visitors to check in and experience.
(WeRide Robobus Waiting to Pick Up Passengers)
WeRide’s development in Singapore has been remarkably swift and successful. The consecutive commercial deployments of the Robosweeper and Robobus in Singapore once again highlight WeRide’s leading position in the global autonomous driving technology field and the replicability of its business model.
In the future, WeRide will continue to collaborate with local partners to bring more validated products and business models to the Singapore and Southeast Asian markets. This will provide efficient and high-quality autonomous driving services to local citizens and tourists, contributing to the development of smart transportation systems in the region.