Bayanat Utilises MENA Region’s First L4-enabled Autonomous Vehicles to Transport Visitors to DRIFTx 

From April 25-26, during the event's operating hours, a fleet of autonomous vehicles, including TXAI taxis, Robo Minibuses, and Automatic Rapid Transits (ARTs), will facilitate transportation for visitors, enhancing their experience at DRIFTx. In partnership with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and the Integrated Transport Center (ITC), this fleet will efficiently transport numerous passengers during the two-day event.

These vehicles will shuttle select visitors from W Hotel to designated drop-off points across the Yas Marina campus. Upon arrival, attendees can utilize the Automatic Rapid Transit (ART) to navigate between parking lots and the main entrance. To request a ride, visitors can use the dedicated DRIFTx app, which incorporates what3words precise location technology, ensuring seamless pickups and drop-offs.

what3words offers a straightforward method for communicating precise locations, assigning a unique combination of three words to every 3-meter square worldwide. By entering a what3words address in the DRIFTx app, passengers can be transported to their desired location accurately. This collaboration underscores Bayanat's ongoing commitment to partnering with smart mobility entities and adopting solutions that enhance user experiences.

Hasan Al Hosani, Managing Director at Bayanat, expressed enthusiasm about the announcement, highlighting Bayanat's dedication to advancing smart mobility and urban development solutions. He emphasized the success of the autonomous vehicle fleet, operated in collaboration with ITC, in meeting the demand for sustainable autonomous solutions since 2021.

Chris Sheldrick, Co-founder and CEO of what3words, praised Bayanat's contribution to the DRIFTx event, emphasizing the reliability of the DRIFTx app featuring what3words address entry.

Introduced as a pilot project in 2021, TXAI stands as the MENA region's first Level 4-enabled autonomous vehicle fleet. This fleet, comprising Robotaxis, Robo Minibuses, and ART, has logged over 500,000 kilometers and completed nearly 16,000 rides. While a safety officer remains present in the vehicle, most driving situations are managed autonomously, showcasing the vehicle's advanced capabilities.

The success of TXAI is attributed to the fusion of AI insights with Bayanat's gIQ capabilities, which provide critical data infrastructure for unmanned systems operation, including HD maps and positioning. Bayanat has established itself as a pioneer in autonomous driving and unmanned systems in the Middle East, boasting expertise in various technological domains, including Autonomous Solutions, Cloud Infrastructure, Digital Twins, and more.

For further information about Bayanat's SMOS division, please visit www.bayanat.ai.