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[SINGAPORE] Grab signed new memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with four autonomous technology companies to explore the impact and role of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in South-east Asia, the company said on Monday (Mar 10).

The technology company will work with Autonomous A2Z, Motional, WeRide and Zelos to assess technologies for delivery and mobility, such as shuttles, buses, cars and bots.

Grab said that it will assess how AVs can improve safety and reduce road accidents. It will also evaluate opportunities for drivers and delivery partners to upskill into emerging roles in the autonomous industry, and analyse AVs’ cost structure to determine their long-term viability.

Anthony Tan, group chief executive officer and co-founder of Grab, noted that the technology is advancing rapidly, but its impact on South-east Asia’s transportation landscape remains largely unexplored.

“Through these collaborative studies with leading autonomous technology companies, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of how autonomous vehicles can enhance our transportation ecosystem while maintaining the essential role of our drivers and delivery partners,” he said.

This marks another step in Grab’s ongoing exploration of self-driving technology.

In 2016, Grab partnered with startup nuTonomy to allow selected app users to take part in the world’s first driverless-taxi trial in Singapore.

In 2022, Grab worked with technology company NCS to pilot an AV robot food delivery service to serve guests and F&B merchants in Sentosa.

Yee Wee Tang, managing director of Grab Singapore, said in an interview with The Straits Times on Mar 2 that the technology company is thinking about how AVs can complement its pool of drivers and fill the gaps for less popular routes, such as near the Singapore Zoo in Mandai. But he added that it will take “many, many years” before such technology can be rolled out in Singapore “on a big scale”.