WeRide and Renault Collaborate to Introduce Autonomous Shuttles at Roland-Garros Once Again
In an exciting move for fans and visitors of the prestigious Roland-Garros tournament, WeRide, a pioneer in autonomous driving technology, has joined forces with Renault Group, an esteemed partner of the event. This collaboration marks the return of a Level-4 fully autonomous minibus shuttle service, known as Robobus, which will run for the second consecutive year during the tournament on the world-famous clay courts.
The autonomous shuttle service will cover a distance of 2.8 kilometers, completing the journey in just 12 minutes. It connects several crucial points including Avenue de la Porte d'Auteuil, Place de la Porte d'Auteuil, P1 Parking Carrefour des Anciens Combattants, and the Village de Roland Garros. The shuttles will operate daily from May 25 to June 8, with service hours set from 10:30 AM to 5 PM, and a new late-night service extending operations from 10 PM to midnight, addressing the needs of evening event attendees.
The introduction of the night service adds an extra layer of accessibility for guests, as it enables them to conveniently travel during the bustling evening hours, even under challenging low-light conditions. The Robobus demonstrates an impressive capability to navigate urban environments with unpredictable traffic, including vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Tony Han, the founder and CEO of WeRide, expressed enthusiasm about the return to Roland-Garros, emphasizing the partnership's focus on advancing autonomous mobility in Europe. "The recurrence of our Robobus service not only enhances our reputation but also exemplifies our technology's readiness for practical deployment in real-world scenarios," he stated. Han expressed confidence in Europe as a pivotal market within their global strategy, noting that their autonomous solutions are already operational in five countries, including France.
Renault Group's Autonomous Mobility Project Manager, Patrick Vergelas, highlighted the transformative potential of these electric minibuses and shuttles. He pointed out that the partnership validates the feasibility of autonomous public transport, suggesting that society is ready to embrace these innovative transit solutions.
Beyond Roland-Garros, the collaboration between WeRide and Renault has led to significant strides in the domain of autonomous transportation across Europe. Earlier this year, the teams jointly implemented Europe’s first fully driverless commercial Robobus system in the Drôme region of France, with additional trials conducted in Barcelona.
This ongoing partnership aims not only to enhance mobility solutions but also to establish more sustainable transport options for future urban environments. With WeRide and Renault taking steps towards making autonomous vehicles a practical reality, the Robobus initiative at Roland-Garros serves as an emblem of innovation in transportation, underscoring the evolution of public transit in the modern age.
As spectators flock to the renowned Grand Slam event, they can now enjoy not only the thrilling matches but also the conveniences of autonomous technology, an embodiment of futuristic travel solutions. The WeRide and Renault partnership signifies a monumental leap in the journey toward safer, smarter, and more environmentally friendly transportation in urban areas.