#France #Autonomous Driving #WeRide #Robobus #Valence

WeRide Launches Europe's First Fully Autonomous Commercial Robobus

In an exciting development for the future of transportation, WeRide, a globally recognized leader in autonomous driving technology, has unveiled Europe's first fully autonomous commercial robobus. This momentous occasion took place on February 27, 2025, in the picturesque region of Valence, France. The Robobus is the result of a strategic collaboration among WeRide, beti Automated Mobility, Renault Group, and Macif, aiming to provide a seamless automated transportation service in the Drôme region.

The introduction of WeRide's Robobus represents a significant leap in the integration of smart transportation. The service, operating at Level 4 automation, allows for driverless mobility on open roads amidst mixed traffic conditions. Each robobus measures six meters in length and has a capacity for eight passengers. Scheduled to commence operations on March 10, 2025, it will primarily serve the Rovaltain business park and the nearby TGV train station in Valence.

Jennifer Li, WeRide’s Chief Financial Officer and International Business Director, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, "Our partnership with beti enables us to execute our inaugural commercial Robobus deployment in Europe, building on our proven success in Asia and the Middle East, and further solidifying our leading position in the L4 autonomous driving landscape."

Enhancing Safety and Efficiency

The robobus initiative is not only innovative in terms of technology but also in its safety features. Benjamin Beaudet, CEO of beti, explained that their 'hypervision' solution adds an extra layer of safety for automated driving, continuously improving the overall system's effectiveness. With a route spanning 3.3 kilometers, the service will connect essential points, including the train station, long-term parking facilities, and a food court serving the business community.

This mobility solution addresses several key transportation needs:

• - Facilitating flexible transit between the train station and numerous local businesses, thereby fostering sustainable last-mile solutions.
• - Offering a low-carbon alternative to foot travel between parking and the train station.
• - Enhancing connectivity to food establishments for the employees working in the vicinity.

A Landmark Service

This rollout is groundbreaking for multiple reasons. It marks WeRide's first deployment of a fully autonomous commercial robobus in Europe, signaling significant global expansion efforts. Moreover, it introduces the first high-level automated service connecting a train station directly to a business park.

The Level 4 automation of WeRide's technology allows for speeds of up to 40 km/h, in addition to dynamic obstacle avoidance, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers.

Patrick Vergelas from Renault Group added, "After the successful trials conducted by Renault and WeRide, we are gearing up to launch passenger transport via automated shuttles in Valence, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of smart transportation."

Initial Learning Phase

The initial phase of the service will run from March 10 to April 19, 2025, available Monday through Friday under real-world passenger transport conditions. This period will be crucial for validating the service's relevance, technological safety, and operational efficiency. Following this, a second operational phase slated for July 2025 is expected to broaden the scope of the service and enhance its capabilities.

With the launch of this innovative robobus service, WeRide is setting a benchmark in Europe for autonomous public transport, paving the way for smarter, safer, and more efficient urban mobility solutions.