Grab partners with tech firms to study autonomous vehicle deployment in Southeast Asia

Grab announced on Mar. 10 the signing of new memoranda of understanding with four autonomous technology companies.

The partnerships with Autonomous A2Z, Motional, WeRide and Zelos aim to explore the impact and potential role of autonomous vehicles (AVs) within Southeast Asia’s transportation landscape, Grab said in its release on Monday.

The assessments for various autonomous technologies will be for delivery and mobility, such as shuttles, buses, cars and bots.

Key focus in 3 areas

Grab's release said it is a key player in the mobility and deliveries space and is committed to the safe adoption of autonomous vehicle technologies in the region.

The company will collaborate closely with governments and driver associations on pilot studies to facilitate learning and support the development of essential capabilities, it added.

The studies will have three key focus areas:

• Validate the benefits of autonomous vehicles in enhancing safety, reducing road accidents, minimising human error and improving traffic management.
• Job Creation and Workforce Transition: Analyse the type, scale and skillsets required for emerging jobs in the autonomous industry, and evaluate opportunities for drivers and delivery-partners to transition and upskill into these roles.
• Commercial Sustainability: Assess the operational conditions for diverse autonomous vehicles services to improve connectivity and analyse their cost structure for long-term viability.

“Autonomous vehicle technology is advancing rapidly, yet its impact on Southeast Asia’s transportation landscape remains largely unexplored," said Anthony Tan, Grab chief executive officer and co-founder.

"Through these collaborative studies with leading autonomous technology companies, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of how autonomous vehicles can enhance our transportation ecosystem while maintaining the essential role of our drivers and delivery-partners,” he added.

Top photos via Grab