WeRide, a leading developer of autonomous driving technologies, has announced the successful acquisition of two key licenses for its Robosweeper models in Singapore. The Robosweeper S6 has received the Milestone Testing Regime Level 1 License for Autonomous Vehicles on Public Roads (M1 License), while the Robosweeper S1 has obtained the T1 Assessment License for Autonomous Vehicles on Public Paths (T1 License). These licenses allow both models to conduct pilot operations on designated public roads and paths in Singapore.
The licensing process, overseen by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore, involved rigorous assessments to ensure the technical safety and reliability of WeRide’s vehicles. “As early as December 2023, WeRide’s Robobus obtained both the M1 and T1 licenses in just three months,” highlighting the company’s efficiency in meeting regulatory requirements.
The T1 license focuses on the vehicle's performance in complex environments, emphasizing its technical reliability. This was particularly important for the Robosweeper S1, which demonstrated safety and efficiency in public path operations. In contrast, the M1 license evaluation covered a broader scope, including autonomous driving functions and obstacle recognition. The Robosweeper S6 completed complex manoeuvres, showcasing its adaptability in Singapore’s urban landscape.
WeRide's first batch of Robosweepers arrived in Singapore in June 2024, and the company secured its licenses in just over four months. According to recent reports, the LTA has noted that the risks associated with low-speed, fixed-route operations are relatively low, making it an ideal environment for promoting autonomous technology. This development is particularly timely as autonomous sanitation vehicles can help address labour shortages in the sanitation sector.
At the Singapore International Transport Congress and Exhibition (SITCE) 2024, Chee Hong Tat, minister for Transport, indicated that the LTA is optimising its evaluation framework to further encourage the adoption of autonomous vehicles in the city-state.
WeRide’s Founder and CEO, Tony Han, emphasised the company’s commitment to aligning with Singapore’s policies on autonomous sanitation. “We aim to deepen collaboration with local partners and accelerate the commercial deployment of Robosweepers,” he stated, reinforcing WeRide’s role in contributing to Singapore’s vision of a smart and green city.
