Dubai Municipality has started a digital mapping initiative to help the city prepare for self-driving cars. As part of the initiative, Google Maps-style automobiles were seen on the streets. The goal is to create a “highly precise digital map” that an AI computer in a car can navigate without the need for a human driver.
Authorities said: “The project targets preparing and designing maps as per the best standards and international practices. These maps are set to be utilised by businesses offering specialised solutions for autonomous vehicles, which are perceived to constitute most of Dubai’s transportation in the future.”
Dubai’s government plans to start testing the first driverless cars on the roads early next year. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has set another target that is by 2030, 25% of all journeys will be autonomous.
