DUBAI, UAE (Reuters) — The Dubai Land Department has showed off a driverless car developed with Volkswagen at the much visited Cityscape Global exhibition.
Dubai has already stated its intention to become one of the world’s smartest and most sustainable cities and the VW prototype car could help its ambitions.
Although still just a concept, the driverless car, named ‘Sedric’ (self-driving car) by VW, will be sustainable and safe, convenient and easy to use, using a simple button as its control, VW states in its promotional material.
VW says the fully automated vehicle – which means a human will never have to drive the car – will take up less space, consume less energy, and be safer and more sustainable at the same time.
The Volkswagen website states the vehicle will offer tailor-made mobility for retirees and people with physical disabilities, as well as urban dwellers who do not have their own car or a driving license and visitors to a new city trying to get their bearings.
Dubai Land Department Director General, H.E. Sultan Butti Ben Mejren, said the authority is thinking of using Sedric as a mobility vehicle to show customers around construction sites.
“It’s a smart car and is considered one of the unique cars in the world because it is without a driver and allows people to tour whatever place it is in,” said Mejren at Dubai Land Department’s stand at Cityscape Global.
Boasting the latest technology, Sedric would be able to take people on customized tours of construction sites safely without putting them at risk of detours or losing their way.
The car carries four people, has 36 sensors – in order for it to adapt to its surroundings – and built-in WIFI. It will be voice activated and does not have the usual vehicle controls – the steering wheel, pedals and dashboard are all superfluous – meaning passengers can sit back and relax.
The creators of Sedric have not tied it down to one design. The technology is designed to adapt to however the car is meant to be used, according to VW officials, meaning if the car is meant for long-distance travel it can be customised to drive at a speed that is higher than that of another model meant for an urban area.
“It is a car without a driver. And according to the information I have from the company is that it can be used in an urban setting and help movement of people around cities. The idea is to start introducing a smarter way for people to move around the city of Dubai for example,” added Mejren.
Dubai has already introduced the first automated policeman in the Middle East; the robot on wheels is equipped with cameras and facial recognition software.
