[SINGAPORE] ComfortDelGro has commenced operations for its first robotaxi programme in Guangzhou, China, in partnership with Nasdaq-listed autonomous vehicle (AV) company Pony AI.
The two-year pilot deploys commercial robotaxi services in the southern Chinese city and marks a “significant step” in the commercial deployment of such services for both companies, the transport operating giant said on Monday (Mar 17).
It will enable ComfortDelGro to develop and refine its capabilities for AV technology operations and fleet management towards the goal of future large-scale deployment across China and other international markets.
The pilot programme is part of ComfortDelGro’s broader strategy to explore autonomous transport solutions. In 2022, the company said it would pour S$30 million of investment into the research and development (R&D) of autonomous driving capabilities over the next five years.
Through its S$100 million venture capital fund, it also established the Autonomous Vehicles Centre of Excellence R&D unit to develop capabilities in AV operations and fleet management.
It follows a memorandum of understanding the two companies inked in July 2024, for the large-scale commercialisation of robotaxi operations in China and subsequent deployment of such technologies globally.
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ComfortDelGro Group chief executive Cheng Siak Kian highlighted that the development of AV technology is “crucial” for future-proofing the transport industry, especially as driver shortages remain a global problem.
Adding that the transport giant is exploring solutions to help keep transport accessible, Cheng said: “Autonomous technology can complement the human driver workforce by increasing ride availability during off peak hours and in underserved areas.”
Founded in late 2016 in Silicon Valley, Pony AI is a robotaxi company headquartered in Guangzhou that develops artificial intelligence and autonomous driving transport technology solutions.
It creates self-driving software and operates self-driving fleets in the US and China, including Beijing and Shanghai, and is backed by Toyota Motor and Saudi Arabia’s Neom.
As at 11.51 am on Monday, ComfortDelGro shares were trading 0.7 per cent or S$0.01 lower at S$0.142.
