ION Successfully Trials Electric Autonomous Shuttles in Sharjah

ION, the UAE-based sustainable and smart transportation company, has conducted a successful pilot trial for its NAVYA AUTONOM autonomous shuttles at the University City of Sharjah, the world’s largest integrated educational district in the world.

The trial, which was overseen by Sharjah Police for traffic and safety reasons, was designed to assess the operational efficiency of the driverless shuttles’ capabilities within the educational district.

In addition to facilitating carbon-neutral mobility within the educational zone, the University City of Sharjah has the optimal infrastructure for operating next-generation technologies such as the autonomous electric vehicles.

Intended to help students commute between colleges, the shuttles are equipped with a range of deep learning technologies, including 3D vision and environment recognition; automatic route navigation; IoT sensors for optimal safety, and motion-sensor doors.

Driving seamless, smart, and sustainable mobility, the smart shuttles are emissions-free, wheelchair-accessible and have a capacity of 15 passengers.

HE Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of Bee’ah and Chairman at ION, said: “I am pleased to announce the successful completion of our NAVYA autonomous shuttle trials at Sharjah University City.

ION to Provide Sustainable Transport Services for Sharjah Hospital

"The smart electric shuttles have the potential to offer regular and dependable services within the city, while reducing vehicular traffic and improving air quality.”

The NAVYA shuttles are part of a larger fleet that has been operating at Masdar City since October 2018. ION announced a partnership with NAVYA, a leading company in autonomous driving systems, in January this year, to develop the concept of shared autonomous transport to the MENA region for the first time.

NAVYA AUTONOM shuttles are a globally proven first-and-last-mile transportation solution. The concept fits with ION’s vision for environmental sustainability and the development of a zero-emissions transportation network in the UAE and wider region.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, ION’s electric vehicles and drivers were deployed, pro bono, for the transport of Sharjah Medical District’s doctors to facilitate home visits and COVID-19 testing.

ION’s electric fleet was also utilised for medicine logistics services by University Hospital Sharjah for fast and efficient deliveries.

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