WeRide and Shenzhen Bus Group Unveil Revolutionary Robobus Line
In an innovative leap for public transport, WeRide, a leader in autonomous driving technology, has joined forces with Shenzhen Bus Group to introduce Shenzhen’s first Level 4 fully driverless Robobus line. This landmark initiative takes place in the Luohu District, a hub bustling with commercial activity and cultural significance.
Details of the B888 Line
The newly launched B888 line just happens to coincide with Shenzhen’s 45th anniversary as China’s pioneering Special Economic Zone. This initiative serves as a notable gift marking a remarkable milestone in the city’s history.
The Robobus operates a route connecting Luohu Port and the popular MixC Market. Travelers can easily reserve their rides via the Shenzhen Bus Travel WeChat mini program. The outbound journey stretches 6.6 km, while the return trip is 4.3 km, with travel times ranging between 30 to 35 minutes. Passengers enjoy breathtaking views as they navigate past key landmarks such as Guomao, Di Wang Tower, and the Shenzhen Grand Theater, showcasing the city’s cutting-edge advancements in autonomous mobility.
A Leap into Advanced Technology
The B888 line is distinguished by its advanced Level 4 autonomy, allowing the Robobus to adeptly maneuver through the dense urban traffic of downtown Shenzhen. It is outfitted with over 20 sensors, which include LiDAR and high-definition cameras, providing a comprehensive 360-degree perception and the capacity to detect obstacles up to 200 meters away. This technology helps the vehicle accurately read lane markings, traffic signals, and signs, ensuring safe navigation, even in challenging situations.
One intriguing feature of the Robobus is its ability to predict the movements of other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. This predictive capability allows the bus to adjust its speed and course accordingly, ensuring smooth travel even through complex intersections like the Jiabin Road and Renmin South Road junction.
Safety Features and Redundancies
When nearing a designated stop, the Robobus engages curbside parking mode, preparing ahead of time to ensure a seamless boarding and alighting process for passengers, all while prioritizing safety and maintaining traffic flow. The robust engineering of the Robobus includes full redundancy in all essential systems, including sensors, computing units, and drive-by-wire chassis. This commitment to safety ensures that backup systems remain detectable, especially in challenging environments.
A Vision for Smart Transport
The B888 line is a significant component of Shenzhen's ambitious “20+8” industrial cluster strategy. It aligns with the city’s aspirations for high-quality development in intelligent, connected vehicles, reinforcing its vision of a smart, green, and innovative transportation future.
WeRide has an impressive global footprint, with its Robobuses tested or operational in nearly 30 cities worldwide—spanning from major metropolises like Guangzhou, Beijing, and Singapore to cities in Europe and the Middle East, including Paris and Abu Dhabi. With an eye towards the future, WeRide is determined to further expand its partnerships with public transportation operators globally. This will facilitate the development of autonomous shuttle services in diverse environments, from bustling commercial districts to tranquil residential neighborhoods, thereby enhancing the adoption of autonomous vehicle technology and extending its benefits to a broader community.
About WeRide
WeRide stands as a trailblazer in the autonomous driving sector and is recognized as the first public robotaxi company. Its autonomous vehicles have undergone testing in more than 30 cities across ten countries. Notably, WeRide is the first technology enterprise to receive autonomous driving permits in six markets, including China, Singapore, and the U.S. Empowered by the adaptable and efficient WeRide One platform, the company offers a range of products and services tailored to meet the evolving needs of the mobility, logistics, and sanitation sectors. Further solidifying its status, WeRide has recently been named in Fortune Magazine’s “The Future 50” list.
Contact Information
For media inquiries, please reach out to WeRide at: pr@weride.ai
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the B888 line?
The B888 line is Shenzhen's first fully driverless public transport service, marking an innovative leap in the city's transport infrastructure.
How does the WeRide Robobus ensure passenger safety?
The Robobus features redundant systems and advanced sensors to maintain operations safely and efficiently, even in challenging conditions.
Where can passengers book rides on the Robobus?
Riders can conveniently book their Robobus journeys through the Shenzhen Bus Travel WeChat mini program.
What are some key landmarks along the B888 route?
Passengers will travel past several iconic landmarks, including Guomao, Di Wang Tower, and Shenzhen Grand Theater.
What future plans does WeRide have for its services?
WeRide plans to expand its partnerships globally and increase the reach of autonomous shuttle services across various environments.
