Wuxi, China has granted approval to nine car and bus manufacturers to carry out tests on vehicles with advanced autonomous driving technologies. These companies include BYD, Nio, BAIC BluePark, SAIC Hongyan, China FAW Group, Yutong Bus, Changan Automobile, GAC, and SAIC. These tests will accelerate the process of introducing autonomous driving into daily life.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology stated that the tests will be at level 3, known as conditioned automation. This level allows the vehicle to make decisions like changing lanes, regulating speed, and braking to avoid collisions while the driver can focus on other tasks. The tests will be carried out in seven cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
Although Wuxi is not on the list of cities for testing, it is a pioneer in autonomous driving technology in China. The city has made advancements in smart route monitoring, pilotless ship manufacturing, the Internet of vehicles connectivity, public transport networks, and regulations for autonomous driving. Currently, Wuxi has over 5,000 autonomous vehicles in operation, with robotaxis being tested and robobuses already in operation.
In Wuxi, the Intelligent Driving Operational Service Center oversees the regulation of connected vehicles, remote supervision of vessel handling, and provides a one-stop system for public transport users. The monitoring network uses cameras and sensors mounted on traffic lights to connect with the vehicles through technologies like the Internet of vehicles and the 5.5G network.
Users can interact with the robotaxis through mobile applications or wait for robobuses at designated stations. The driving center monitors traffic and signs to navigate the vehicles safely. The vehicles are equipped with safety features like emergency stop buttons, fire extinguishers, and hammers in case of accidents.
Wuxi has developed a comprehensive system of laws, regulations, and infrastructure to support autonomous driving. As the technology matures, the need for human intervention is reduced. Wuxi aims to achieve level 4 autonomous driving, where human intervention is minimal. The Ministry’s approval of autonomous driving tests reflects China’s commitment to advancing this technology and starting mass production of autonomous vehicles.