Hong Kong to trial autonomous shuttle buses in Yuen Long
The trial will span approximately seven months.
Hong Kong will trial two autonomous shuttle light buses at Fairview Park in Yuen Long for about seven months, starting at the end of this month.
The light buses run on an autonomous driving system developed by the Automotive Platforms & Application Systems R&D Centre which uses an artificial intelligence (AI) system that replaces human drivers.
It features 15 radars and recognition cameras installed around the vehicle to gather real-time data about its surroundings as well as self-built high-definition electronic maps and image processing technology, enabling the AI system to analyse road conditions and achieve precise positioning.
In addition, 5G technology is utilised to monitor the vehicle’s condition in real-time through smart lampposts.
The Automotive Platforms & Application Systems R&D Centre has been developing and testing this autonomous driving system for two years which include road tests on the Mainland for initial vehicle safety and reliability.
Both light buses have the same features as well as a space for wheelchair users but one has 12 seats and the other has eight. Residents will be able to use these driverless vehicles as they shuttle along a 2.5km loop road in the housing estates.