WeRide and Grab Achieve First Autonomous Vehicle Testing in Singapore's Punggol District

Core Insights - WeRide and Grab have received approval from Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) to conduct autonomous vehicle (AV) testing with the Ai.R fleet in the Punggol district [1][8] - The partners began AV testing in Punggol in mid-October 2025 and plan to increase the number of test runs by up to four times by the end of the year [2][8] - The Ai.R fleet consists of 11 AVs, including 10 GXRs and one Robobus, aimed at launching a public autonomous ride service in early 2026 [3][8] Company and Industry Overview - WeRide is recognized as a global leader in autonomous driving technology, having tested or operated vehicles in over 30 cities across 11 countries, and is the first publicly traded Robotaxi company [11] - Grab operates as a leading superapp in Southeast Asia, providing services across deliveries, mobility, and digital financial sectors, serving over 800 cities in eight countries [12] - The Ai.R service will connect residents to key amenities in Punggol, enhancing local transportation options [6][8] Testing and Development - The AVs are gathering real-world data to improve their AI driving models, focusing on local road infrastructure, traffic flows, and pedestrian behaviors [9] - The AVs are equipped with advanced sensors, including LiDARs and cameras, providing 360-degree vision and the ability to detect objects up to 200 meters away [9] - Safety Operators will be present during the testing phase to ensure real-time supervision and safety [5][10] Training and Talent Development - Grab and WeRide are training a cohort of over 10 experienced Grab driver-partners for Safety Operator roles, progressing from theory lessons to on-road training [10][8] - The training aims to build local talent for AV operations, supporting the rollout of the Ai.R service [10][8]