Gulf News journalist Ashwani Kumar shares his experience of riding a driverless car in Dubai.
In a scene that felt straight out of science fiction, I found myself stepping into the plush cabin of Baidu’s Apollo Go RT6 Robotaxi in Dubai. As part of the pilot phase unveiled at the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, I was among the first passengers to experience a six-kilometre journey across the city’s iconic neighborhoods.
Boarding the Future
Entering the RT6 didn’t feel like hailing a taxi—it felt like unlocking a secret level in a video game. The door had no handle; instead, a numeric password, often the last four digits of your phone number, activated its automatic slide. Inside, a button by the seat sealed the door with futuristic precision. The atmosphere was more spaceship than car, giving the impression that the vehicle was welcoming me aboard.
Comfort Meets Technology
The spacious cabin was designed for both comfort and intrigue. Fully adjustable seats came with heating controls and even a built-in massage function offering three settings: Wave, Butterfly, and Catwalk. Each mode eased away tension, making the journey feel like a personal retreat.
Meanwhile, digital touchscreens and practical details—like cup holders—ensured the experience blended high-tech with everyday convenience.
The Ride Experience
The thrill began the moment the steering wheel moved on its own. The Robotaxi navigated with confidence, switching lanes seamlessly and performing a flawless U-turn. Its sensors and cameras tracked the road with astonishing precision.
When the vehicle overtook a van, my heart skipped a beat, but the maneuver was effortless. At zebra crossings, it halted smoothly—no jerks, no hesitation—just pure confidence.
A safety officer, present during this pilot phase, reassured me with a calm smile:
“Just enjoy the ride. There’s nothing to fear.”
Taking his advice, I leaned back, explored the digital features, and let the massage function ease me into the moment.
The Engineering Behind RT6
The RT6 is the world’s first purpose-built Level 4 autonomous vehicle. Its high-frame-rate vision, LiDAR systems, and AI-powered sensors analyze every inch of the road in real time. From pedestrians to lane markings, nothing escapes its view.
The result? A driving experience that feels not only safe but surprisingly natural.
Looking Ahead
By the end of my ride, I couldn’t resist taking selfies, grinning like a child discovering magic. Dubai’s streets had never felt this exciting, secure, or futuristic.
This is only the beginning. The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has partnered with Baidu’s Apollo Go to deploy 1,000 autonomous vehicles, with around 50 currently on trial. Public availability is expected as early as next year.
As I stepped out of the RT6, one thought lingered: I hadn’t just taken a taxi ride—I had experienced the future of mobility.
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