WeRide becomes first company to test self-driving Robosweeper in Beijing

Beijing (Gasgoo)- On July 24, WeRide, the Chinese autonomous driving technology developer, has been granted the official test certificate for intelligent connected street sweeping vehicles by the Beijing High-level Automated Driving Demonstration Area (BJHAD).

Photo credit: WeRide

With this recognition, WeRide becomes the pioneering company authorized to conduct unmanned sweeping operations in the capital city of China. 

The issuance of the "Beijing Intelligent Connected Vehicle Policy Pilot Zone Management Regulations for Intelligent Connected Street Sweeping Vehicles (Road Testing and Demonstration Applications)" marks a significant milestone as the country's first regulatory framework tailored specifically for intelligent connected street sweeping vehicle testing and demonstration in urban areas.

According to the regulations, WeRide's intelligent Robosweeper will now commence systematic urban sanitation operations within the BJHAD. Collaborating with conventional street sweepers, it will contribute to maintaining a cleaner environment in Beijing. Furthermore, WeRide aims to actively explore commercialization opportunities and develop replicable and scalable product standards and collaborative mechanisms for unmanned street sweeping scenarios.

In a bid to expedite the widespread adoption of autonomous driving technology, WeRide previously launched China's first mass-produced autonomous street sweeper specifically designed for smart city sanitation needs in April 2022. This innovative Robosweeper features a fully redundant chassis as well as WeRide's cutting-edge L4 level autonomous driving software and hardware solutions. In autonomous mode, it can efficiently execute a range of urban sanitation tasks, including road sweeping and flushing, regardless of weather conditions.

Already undergoing testing and commercial exploration in four major cities, namely, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Dalian, WeRide's Robosweeper leads the way in establishing a new paradigm of smart city sanitation by combining autonomous driving with manual and traditional mechanical methods. This transformative approach drives the industry towards a more intelligent, efficient, and eco-friendly future, elevating the standard of urban sanitation practices.