On Friday, the Ministry of Transportation announced that Mowasalat (Karwa) has started testing Level 4 autonomous electric taxis in a few locations throughout Qatar, encompassing both service and tourist routes.
Over the next few months, Karwa will map out routes in collaboration with the Ministry in order to get ready for the autonomous taxis' two-phase experimental launch.
Trial runs without passengers will be conducted in the first phase under the supervision of a professional team. The second phase, which will run through the first quarter of next year, will involve extensive testing with passengers but no drivers. As part of Qatar's larger future smart mobility efforts, the trials seek to assess the technology's operational effectiveness and preparedness in addition to creating legislative frameworks and setting up the required infrastructure.
Six long- and mid-range cameras, four radars, and four LiDAR units are installed in each autonomous taxi used in the trials to provide accurate detection and navigation control while in use.
