Hanoi approves 24-month trial of autonomous buses, robotaxis and delivery robots

On August 25, the Hanoi People’s Committee announced a 24-month trial for autonomous buses, robotaxis, and delivery robots in the city. The trial will only permit vehicles on designated routes equipped with advanced digital maps and monitoring systems. The primary goal is to evaluate the safety, reliability, and readiness of autonomous vehicles in real-world traffic conditions. It will also assess the efficiency of autonomous public transport systems and how well they can integrate with existing infrastructure.

The trial aims to develop appropriate technical standards, operating procedures, and management models tailored to Hanoi's unique traffic conditions. To achieve this, the system will employ LiDAR, cameras, 2D and 3D digital maps, high-precision GPS, and cutting-edge artificial intelligence algorithms, including machine learning and deep learning. The testing will be conducted in controlled environments for specific vehicle types and routes under defined conditions, progressing through several stages.

Firstly, at the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, robotaxis and delivery robots will undergo testing for on-demand passenger transport and deliveries along an 11.5 km route. Concurrently, the Hoa Lac campus will serve as a testing ground for autonomous buses to shuttle students between dormitories, lecture halls, military training facilities, and bus connections. Cleaning and delivery robots will also be trialed along a 2.8 km route.

Safety is paramount, and testing will only occur between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., including weekends and holidays when necessary. Speeds will be carefully regulated per route and are anticipated to never exceed 40 km per hour. Vehicles will not be permitted to operate during extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, flooding, strong winds, dense fog, natural disasters, or any infrastructure incidents that could compromise traffic safety.

Autonomous buses and robotaxis will be equipped with onboard safety supervisors who can assume manual control in emergencies or when the vehicle's safe operating limits are exceeded. These supervisors must possess valid driving licenses and undergo the necessary training. Cleaning and delivery robots must also have personnel supervising them on-site.

During the trial, commercial transport services and fees are strictly prohibited. Additionally, the city will temporarily waive certain registration, license plate, inspection, and operating permit requirements within the trial area, contingent on implementing alternative safety measures.

The Hanoi Management Board of Hi-Tech Parks and Industrial Parks will be responsible for overseeing the trials, while the Department of Science and Technology will analyze the results and provide recommendations to the municipal administration regarding post-trial policies.