Grab, in collaboration with South Korean autonomous technology company Autonomous A2Z, is set to launch its first autonomous electric shuttle bus pilot in Singapore tomorrow. The initiative will facilitate first-and-last mile commutes for Grab employees, connecting the company’s one-north headquarters with the nearby one-north Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station.
The shuttle, equipped with A2Z’s autonomous software and hardware, as well as Grab’s Internet of Things (IoT) devices, will operate with a trained safety driver onboard to ensure passenger safety. The pilot will explore the application of autonomous vehicles in real-world settings and assess potential job opportunities for Singaporeans in this emerging sector.
Yee Wee Tang, Regional Head of Operations at Grab, emphasised the company’s commitment to safety, stating, “Safety is Grab’s top priority, and we are committed to taking a cautious and calibrated approach to autonomous technology pilots.” The initiative also aims to evaluate the safety performance of autonomous technologies and explore new job opportunities.
The shuttle has undergone extensive training, including over 100 hours on a fixed 3.9km route, data acquisition, and algorithm training. It is equipped with 11 sensors, providing a 360-degree view to safely navigate its environment.
Grab plans to train up to 10 safety drivers by the end of the year, with several drivers already undergoing training. The shuttle will operate for two hours daily during off-peak periods, with additional hours for further training. Grab employees can track the shuttle’s schedule and location via the Grab app.
This pilot marks a significant step in Singapore’s autonomous vehicle ambitions, with Grab and A2Z aiming to share insights with the government to support broader transport connectivity goals.
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