Guizhou Pix Moving Co, a local enterprise in Guiyang National High-tech Industrial Development Zone (Guiyang HIDZ), has obtained approval for the first license to test autonomous driving with human passengers for its self-developed unmanned driving product, Robobus.
This license, approved by the Guiyang-Gui'an Intelligent Connected Vehicle Joint Working Group, marks a significant milestone in transitioning autonomous driving for human passengers from experimental grounds to commercial operations. It allows the Robobus to conduct trial runs within specific sections of the Shawen Intelligent Connected Demonstration Zone in Guiyang HIDZ, covering an area of approximately 13.5 square kilometers.
These areas include Shubo Avenue, Twenty-Six Avenue, Kewen Road, Gaochuan Road, Kecai Street, Gaoyue Street, Kexin South Street, Twenty-Six Dakechuang Road, Chuangbai Road, Chuangzhu Road, and Kexin North Street.
"With the expansion of the testing area, we can now conduct trial operations with more complex scenarios and road conditions, gathering a more diverse range of ground data types. This will enhance the autonomous learning capabilities of the Robobus in terms of functionality, performance, safety, and stability," said a Pix Moving staff member.
Pix Moving says they will continuously validate the safety and stability of the minibus's autonomous driving system to lay a solid foundation for large-scale commercial use in the future.
The Robobus is Pix Moving's first mass-produced passenger-carrying vehicle. It is developed with a separate chassis for autonomous driving and a passenger cabin. The vehicle lacks traditional components such as a driver's cabin, steering wheel, pedals, and rearview mirrors. It features a symmetrical design without a distinct front or rear, enabling bidirectional movement.