WeRide unveils Mini Robobus in Guangzhou to conduct test drives on Bio Island
WeRide unveiled its Mini Robobus on Guangzhou International Bio Island, announcing the launch of its regular testing and reservation-based services to the public.
The commencement ceremony was attended by Peng Wei, Chairman of Guangzhou Public Transport Group NO.3 Bus Co., Ltd, Tony Han, Founder and CEO of WeRide, and government officials from the Huangpu District in Guangzhou.
WeRides’ Mini Robobus marks another significant breakthrough in autonomous driving technologies to complement WeRide’s Robotaxi and expanding the scope of the company’s driverless products and applications.
The Mini Robobus is designed for open urban roads and is an innovative smart vehicle using advanced L4 autonomous driving technologies to provide passengers with a safe, comfortable experience.
Created by WeRide and its strategic investor, Yutong Group, China’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer and WeRide’s leading strategic investor, the Mini Robobus has all the required AD technology installed at the time of production. The Mini Robobus doesn’t have a steering wheel or pedal. Equipped with WeRide’s patented software and hardware the Mini Robobus is capable of safely and efficiently dealing with complex urban traffic conditions.
During the ceremony, WeRide and Guangzhou Public Transport Group NO.3 Bus Co., Ltd signed a strategic cooperation agreement to jointly research and cooperate on innovative operation modes for self-driving buses, to provide the public with convenient, intelligent bus services in the near future.
Guangzhou Public Transport Group NO.3 Bus Co., Ltd is a key state-owned bus enterprise in Guangzhou, with 6,153 employees and 2,243 vehicles that carry more than 300 million passengers over 140 million kilometers every year. It is also the bus service provider on Guangzhou’s International Bio Island, where the Mini Robobus will first operate.
“WeRide boasts leading R&D capabilities in autonomous driving technologies and has gained extensive experience in AD mobility services through its fleet of innovative and publicly accessible Robotaxis. This strategic partnership will enable both sides to draw on each other’s strengths and rapidly promote innovation in self-driving buses, bringing to the industry and the public unprecedented new experiences in smart mobility,” said the bus company’s Chairman Peng Wei during the signing ceremony.
“Cooperation between the two companies will surely be another example of innovative AD eco-cooperation and application. It is our belief that the best way to successful implement autonomous driving is unremitting effort and innovation, consistent safety testing and operation, and the joint launch of open and compliant mobility services with our partners,” according to WeRide’s Tony Han.
Taking full advantage of its leading AD technologies and the Triangle business model, WeRide will accelerate the rollout of its Robotaxi and Mini Robobus in Guangzhou and more cities.
