ST Engineering inks deal to expand its autonomous bus platforms

Its AV kit will be integrated onto EV manufacturer BYD’s buses.

ST Engineering announced that its land systems arm has expanded its portfolio of autonomous bus platforms with the inclusion of electric buses from electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD, the firm revealed.

According to the announcement, the Group will form a consortium in response to the Call for Collaboration (CFC) by the Land Transport Authority and the Singapore Economic Development Board for the pilot deployment of autonomous buses and shuttles in Punggol, Tengah and the Jurong Innovation District.

The ST Engineering autonomous vehicle (AV) kit will reportedly be integrated onto the BYD buses and the partners will look at marketing the joint platform internationally.

Also read: NTU Singapore and Volvo roll out 'world's first' self-driving electric buses

ST Engineering is in the process of conducting intermediate stages of the trials for autonomous shuttle and bus services on Sentosa, and in Jurong Island respectively. Since 2015, the Group has been working with partners spanning research institutes, vehicle OEMs, technology providers in cybersecurity, route optimisation and connectivity to develop the core aspects of the autonomous transportation technology stack.

“This technology build-up will provide a robust and efficient infrastructure for the roll-out of autonomous transportation systems in Singapore,” the firm highlighted.

ST Engineering and BYD had previously worked together on the development of ST Engineering’s STROBO range of adaptable and scalable autonomous material handling equipment for the warehouse, airport, seaport and manufacturing industries, the announcement revealed.