Dubai has launched the trial operation of a first driverless electric abra, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Sunday.
As part of a trial run, abra started its first journey from Al Jaddaf station to Festival City station on Dubai Creek.
This is one of the world’s first marine trials in passenger transportation.
The abra— traditional boat, which can carry eight passengers, was manufactured at the Roads and Transport Authority’s Garhoud Marine Maintenance Center in Dubai.
Its design retains the traditional identity of the abras
How does electric abra work?
It uses an automated self-driving system to “see” and navigate with the help of radars and cameras. Advanced technology detects and responds to threats.
During the trial, the driverless electric boat achieved “Level 4” out of six defined international standards for ship design and operational autonomy.
The driverless procedures ensure 100 per cent adherence to the pre-determined line due to the effects of waves and wind.
Procedures also detect obstacles in the navigational path and notify the control centre of any system abnormality or deviation from the operating plan. Intervene if the abra encounters an obstacle during the voyage. And program additional scenarios to deal with the situation.