Pioneering Saudi Arabia’s First

PIONEERING SAUDI ARABIA’S FIRST SELF-DRIVING VEHICLES

KAUST turns to smart technology for trial use on campus

JASON ROOS Chief Information Officer

WE ARE A LIVING LABORATORY THAT IS UNLIKE ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD – THAT MEANS WE CAN DEVELOP AND DEMONSTRATE THE DIGITAL INNOVATIONS THAT WILL TRANSFORM WHAT IT MEANS TO LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY IN A CITY.

EASY MILE

“KAUST is (…) 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.”

Gilbert Gagnaire, CEO of EasyMile

In January 2020 KAUST initiated a pilot project for self-driving shuttles on its campus, positioning the university as a pioneer in the adoption of autonomous vehicles for Saudi Arabia. The move solidifies KAUST’s position as a leader in eco-friendly transportation and mobility research, and will assist the university in becoming a major smart city in the region.

The pilot project incorporates vehicle technology from two global leaders in autonomous mobility and advanced manufacturing: Local Motors by LM Industries and EasyMile. The fully electric shuttles use mapping, cognitive response technology, light detection, and ranging (Lidar) and obstacle avoidance systems to control, navigate and drive the vehicles. In recent years autonomous vehicles have become increasingly popular worldwide, and are anticipated to play a transformative role in the way we travel. Saudi Arabia is considered to have significant potential for both the autonomous vehicle and shuttle market.

KAUST Chief Information Officer, Jason Roos, has been integral to introducing the smart cities concept to the KAUST campus, and smart initiatives have been rolled out under a project called KAUST Smart. The university’s autonomous shuttles are operated and managed by Saudi Public Transport Co. (SAPTCO), a strategic partner of KAUST. Part of SAPTCO’s strategy is the development of advanced mobility solutions that contribute to the realization of Vision 2030. 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 diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy.