Chongqing - As autonomous driving technology continues to mature, Chongqing has begun operating a network of autonomous buses that are already available to be hailed by the public.

On August 18, the first autonomous driving-based intelligent community launched in Xiantao International Big Data Valley, Chongqing. This groundbreaking initiative integrated cutting-edge innovative services, ranging from unmanned food delivery services to the introduction of self-driving minibusses.

Simultaneously, another area of Chongqing, Western (Chongqing) Science City, witnessed a milestone as seven intelligent connected vehicles underwent rigorous testing.

This fleet included self-driving minibusses, commuter vehicles, and a versatile array of unmanned vehicles tailored for vending, delivery, and security applications. Their entire operation is anticipated by the end of August.

First L4-based autonomous driving public service platform

In 2019, Xiantao International Big Data Valley and China Automotive Engineering Research Institute joined forces to create the country's first L4-based autonomous driving public service platform. 

This innovative move attracted prominent automakers like Changan Automobile to conduct autonomous driving park testing within the designated area.

In pursuit of integrating autonomous driving technology into the community, Chongqing Xiantao Data Valley Investment Management Co., Ltd. took the lead in initiating a collaboration with automotive companies. Together, they embarked on the ambitious mission of establishing an advanced innovative community.

Within Xiantao Data Valley, the infrastructure of the intelligent driving community now includes 24 intersections and a central cloud-controlled area spanning 2 square kilometers. This layout is well-complemented by an operational service platform.

▲The citizen took away food from a self-driving vehicle. (Photo/Visual Chongqing)

Smart driving community facilitated over 9,000 passengers

Within this pioneering initiative, the community has introduced a diverse array of multi-scenario applications, revolutionizing transportation, sanitation cleaning, and terminal delivery services through self-driving cars.

For instance, a striking yellow self-driving terminal delivery vehicle can now navigate designated stops to facilitate material transfers. This vehicle efficiently notifies the designated personnel to retrieve packages or takeout orders at the precise location.

This autonomous application also detects pedestrians crossing its path and proactively halts. Once the pedestrian has safely passed, the vehicle continues its onward journey.

Following an initial two-month trial phase, the smart driving community boasts an impressive record: over 9,000 passenger connections facilitated and a remarkable 11,000 kilometers covered in autonomous driving tests.

Looking ahead, Xiantao Data Valley is set to pioneer the implementation of pilot policies, encompassing areas such as autonomous driving commercial insurance, data security, operational charges, and more. Simultaneously, plans are in motion to establish a pilot environment for vehicle-road collaboration within the Yubei District, advancing the accumulation of pivotal data within the Internet of Vehicles realm.