#France #Autonomous #WeRide #Robobus #Valence

WeRide Rolls Out Autonomous Robobus in France

WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, made headlines today by announcing the launch of its first-ever commercial deployment of a driverless Robobus in Europe. This groundbreaking initiative has come to fruition through a strategic partnership with beti, the Renault Group, and Macif, aimed at providing high-level automated mobility services in the Drôme region of France.

The deployment will feature WeRide's Level 4 autonomous driving technology, specifically designed for open mixed-traffic roads. The fleet will consist of several six-meter-long Robobuses, each capable of carrying eight passengers. The operational base will be at the Rovaltain business park and TGV station in Valence, where beti Automated Mobility will commence services on March 10.

Jennifer Li, CFO and head of international operations at WeRide, expressed enthusiasm about this milestone. “Our collaboration with beti allows us to execute our first Robobus commercial launch in Europe, building on our proven experience in markets like China, Singapore, and the Middle East, further solidifying our leadership in deploying and commercializing Level 4 autonomous driving,” she asserted.

Adding another layer of safety to this ambitious project, Benjamin Beaudet, CEO of beti, highlighted the “hypervision” solution that enhances the automated driving experience by ensuring continuous system improvement. This deployment not only marks a significant step for WeRide but also positions France at the forefront of autonomous transportation.

The Robobus will operate on a 3.3 km route connecting the train station, an off-site long-term parking facility, a business park canteen, and about 150 enterprises employing around 3,000 people. This innovative transport solution aims to provide flexible mobility options between the station and businesses while promoting durable last-mile transport alternatives.

Key use cases include:

• - Facilitating flexible mobility between the station and local enterprises while encouraging sustainable last-mile transport.
• - Offering a low-carbon alternative for commuters traveling between the parking area and the train station.
• - Establishing connections between businesses and employee dining areas.

This deployment is revolutionary for several reasons: it is the first commercial Robobus service initiated by WeRide in Europe, showcasing the company's global expansion, and is the inaugural high-level automated service linking a train station with a business park. WeRide's Level 4 automation capabilities allow dynamic obstacle avoidance and speeds of up to 40 km/h, paving the way for a safer and more efficient transport future.

According to Patrick Vergelas, head of autonomous mobility projects at the Renault Group, the successful trials conducted by both Renault and WeRide have laid the groundwork for a shuttle-based transportation service for passengers at Valence.

The initial learning phase will be conducted from March 10 to April 19, running Monday through Friday. This phase will demonstrate the service's relevance, assess the safety of the technology, and evaluate operational efficiency. Following this phase, a second operational phase is expected to commence in July, further advancing this autonomous transport initiative.

In conclusion, WeRide's launch of the autonomous Robobus in France not only represents a significant leap in automated transport technology but also marks a hopeful future for sustainable and efficient public transportation systems in Europe and beyond.