TXAI Completes Trial of Self-Driving Taxis in UAE

February 10, 2022

Bayanat, a G42 company and developer of geospatial intelligence, data analytics and artificial intelligence, has announced the successful completion of phase 1 trials of its autonomous taxi service, called TXAI. WeRide, which develops Level 4 autonomous driving technologies, provides TXAI with its advanced full stack software and hardware solutions.

Bayanat said it worked closely with other collaborators, including the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport, the Integrated Transport Center and Mirai Asset Management, to run the operation. The trials took place between Nov. 23, 2021, and Dec. 27, 2021, with more than 2,733 passengers booking the service through a TXAI app. More than 16,600 km of autonomous driving was accomplished, Bayanat said. The trials took place on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

“The launch of TXAI is the first of its type in the MENA region, and underpins the strength of our partnership with WeRide, a global tech leader in the autonomous driving space,” said Al Hosani, CEO of Bayanat. “We are committed to continuing to work closely with the UAE authorities to build innovative transport systems by making strategic investments across the smart mobility value chain.”

The company said it is working with partners and UAE authorities to launch the second phase of the program, scheduled for mid-2022 and which will include 10 TXAIs operating across several Abu Dhabi locations.

“WeRide is very excited to work with Bayanat to bring industry-leading autonomous driving technologies and services to the UAE and the wider region,” said Tony Han, founder and CEO of WeRide. “We are inspired by Bayanat’s commitment to building innovative transport systems. Together we leverage the partnership to make greater impacts for a smart future. Like Thomas Edison invented the light bulb for mankind, WeRide is dedicated to developing the best autonomous driving for all human beings.”