WeRide Deploys First European Fully Driverless Commercial Robobus

WeRide, a developer of autonomous driving technology, has announced the first European fully driverless commercial deployment of its Robobus as part of a shuttle service partnership with beti, Renault Group, and Macif. It will feature an L4 -level automated mobility service in France's Drôme region.

WeRide will provide its L4-level autonomous technology for a passenger transport service on open roads in mixed traffic, with several six-meter-long robobuses, each able to carry eight passengers, operated by beti Automated Mobility.

Beti Automated Mobility will begin operations on March 10, at the Rovaltain business park in Drôme.

The route is 3.3 km long and serves the TGV train station, off-site long-term parking, the business park's catering hub, and 150 companies employing 3,000 people.

The initial learning phase will demonstrate the relevance of the service, the safety of the technology and the efficiency of the operations.

A second target operating phase will start in July.

Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International Business at WeRide., says: "Our collaboration with beti allows us to execute our inaugural commercial Robobus deployment in Europe, utilizing our proven track record in the Chinese, Singaporean, and Middle Eastern markets, and ultimately reinforcing our position as a global leader in L4 autonomous driving deployment and commercialization."

Patrick Vergelas, Head of Autonomous Mobility Projects, Renault Group, adds: "Following successful trials conducted by Renault Group and WeRide, the beginnings of a passenger transport service using automated shuttles are now being set up in Valence."

WeRide's L4 automation enables 40km/h speeds and dynamic obstacle avoidance.