Pony.ai and Dubai Launch Supervised Robotaxi Service
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Pony.ai and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have launched a supervised robotaxi service. This is part of Dubai’s long-term goal to automate a quarter of all transport by 2030.
The vehicles are operating in live traffic with a safety driver behind the wheel. Initial routes include dense urban areas and airport corridors. The system runs on Pony.ai’s seventh-generation self-driving software, which has already been tested in the region’s high temperatures.
The current focus is on improving transport efficiency and easing road congestion. Both agencies plan to scale the fleet from 300 to 1,000 vehicles by the end of 2025.
What the Trial Aims to Solve
This early rollout is designed to gather data, identify weak spots, and test how the vehicles perform in real-world conditions. It also gives city officials and engineers time to monitor how the system fits into Dubai’s transport network.
The trial supports several long-term goals:
- Expanding access to autonomous mobility
- Using vehicle data to help manage traffic
- Offering a safer alternative to traditional driving
The early deployments are taking place in busy areas with mixed traffic. This helps test how well the vehicles handle unpredictability, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and unplanned road changes.
What Comes Next
As the service expands, it will challenge more than just the software. It will also test Dubai’s digital infrastructure, public interest, and the regulatory environment.
The rollout is supervised for now. The next phase will depend on performance and public feedback. If the system proves reliable, it could help shape how other cities approach automation in public transport.
