Thuwal, 11 December 2019: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has introduced self-driving shuttles onto its university campus to become the pioneer in adopting autonomous vehicles in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The pilot project incorporates vehicle technology from two global leaders in autonomous mobility and advanced manufacturing, Local Motors by LM Industries and EasyMile. The launch of this new project establishes KAUST as a leader in the fields of future: eco-friendly transportation and mobility research, and makes KAUST a leading smart city in the region.
KAUST, Local Motors, and EasyMile share the common goal of advancing pioneering science and technology. “KAUST is a living laboratory for digital transformation and we pride ourselves on being an innovation hub in the region for developing and adopting advanced technology,” said Tony Chan, President of KAUST. “Implementing self-driving vehicle technology underscores our strong AI research base and the flexibility of our campus community, which make KAUST an ideal partner to adopt and demonstrate smart city user experiences for the Kingdom.”
Implementing the project on the KAUST campus will enable students and researchers to work together with the companies on developing and introducing the new technology in a controlled environment and gather performance data including vehicle performance, usage rates, and user experience.
“Saudi Arabia has enormous potential for the autonomous shuttle market, not only for vehicle deployments, but also for the growth and acceleration of AV capabilities,” said Vikrant Aggarwal, the President of Local Motors “We are excited to deploy Olli at KAUST to showcase how our unique digital manufacturing process enhances rider experience through connectivity, customization, and safety while contributing to the research opportunities at KAUST.”
KAUST strategic partners Saudi Public Transport Co. (SAPTCO) will operate the autonomous shuttles in KAUST and manage the operations through SAPTCO’s qualified Saudi staff.
“The operation of autonomous shuttles comes as a result of our strategic partnership with KAUST during which we have provided high quality integrated transportation services for university staff and its visitors. The project is in alignment with one of SAPTCO’s strategic pillars, which is focusing on providing digital and mobility solutions,” said Eng. Khalid AlHoqail, SAPTCO CEO. “We look forward to the future of our partnership with KAUST to develop advanced mobility solutions that contribute to the realization of the Saudi 2030 Vision,” he added.
The shuttles on the KAUST campus use mapping, cognitive response technology, light detection and ranging (Lidar), and obstacle avoidance systems to control, navigate and drive the vehicles. Both shuttles are fully electric and sustainable, making them not only easily accessible, but also environmentally friendly.
“This self-driving shuttle service is a first in Saudi Arabia,” said Gilbert Gagnaire, CEO of EasyMile.
“We believe the Middle East’s mobility needs can be met with autonomous vehicle technology. KAUST is smart as a destination, and university. They are ahead of the curve in alternative mobility solutions. We see our collaboration as a groundbreaking milestone in introducing environmentally friendly and accessible public transportation to KAUST, and the region.”
Innovation and sustainability are two of KAUST’s highest priorities. Implementing autonomous vehicles on campus is an important next step in creating transportation solutions that help reduce emissions, increase mobility and can help diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy.
Both autonomous shuttles will be available for use by the KAUST community from December 15, 2019. KAUST visitors will have the chance to experience the future of transportation innovation by taking a ride in KAUST’s new shuttles while on campus.
About KAUST
Established in 2009, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a graduate research university devoted to finding solutions for some of the world’s most pressing scientific and technological challenges in the areas of food, water, energy and the environment. With 19 research areas related to these themes and state of the art labs, KAUST has created a collaborative and interdisciplinary problem-solving environment, which has resulted in over 11,000 published papers to date.
With over 100 different nationalities living, working and studying on campus, KAUST has brought together the best minds and ideas from around the world with the goal of advancing science and technology through distinctive and collaborative research. KAUST is a catalyst for innovation, economic development and social prosperity in Saudi Arabia and the world. For additional information, visit: www.Kaust.edu.sa
Contact
Lulwah Shalhoub, Senior Media Specialist – Global Branding & Communications
E Lulwah.Shalhoub@kaust.edu.sa
T +966 (0)12 808 3394
M +966 (0)54 470 0955
About Local Motors
Local Motors by LM Industries Group Inc. is a ground mobility company focused on shaping the future for the better. Founded in 2007 with a belief in open collaboration and co-creation, Local Motors began low volume vehicle manufacturing of open-source designs using multiple microfactories. Since inception, Local Motors has debuted no less than three world firsts; the world’s first co-created vehicle, the world’s first 3D-printed car and the world’s first co-created, self-driving, electric vehicle, Olli. We believe that Olli is the answer to a sustainable, accessible transportation solution for all.
About EasyMile:
EasyMile is a pioneer in driverless technology and smart mobility solutions. The fast-growing start-up develops software to automate transportation platforms without the need for dedicated infrastructure. EasyMile’s cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing passenger and goods transportation, offering completely new mobility options. It has already deployed more than 230 driverless projects in 27 countries and travelled more than 600,000 km. Clients include the world’s largest transport operators, city authorities, airports, corporations, business parks, and universities.
Founded in 2014, EasyMile has a global presence with headquarters in Toulouse (France) and regional offices in Denver (USA), Berlin (Germany), Adelaide (Australia) and Singapore. The Company employs over 180 highly-skilled and passionate employees specializing in robotics, computer vision and vehicle dynamics. Besides the two founders, CEO Gilbert Gagnaire & Board Member Philippe Ligier, EasyMile benefits from the backing of minority shareholders and strategic partners, Alstom, Continental and Bpifrance.