SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Jan. 15, 2025 – WeRide, a leading autonomous driving technology company, has partnered with Flughafen Zürich and Swiss Transit Lab (STL) to launch its Robobus autonomous shuttle service at Zurich Airport. This groundbreaking initiative marks the first commercial autonomous bus shuttle project at a major European airport.
Robobus to Enhance Efficiency and Sustainability at Zurich Airport
The WeRide Robobus, with a capacity of up to nine passengers, will provide efficient and sustainable transportation for airport employees. The dedicated route connects the employee entrance at Gate 101 to the maintenance area at Gate 130, ensuring a seamless flow of personnel within the airport.
"We are thrilled to partner with Flughafen Zürich and Swiss Transit Lab to bring our autonomous driving technology to one of Europe's busiest airports," said Tony Han, Founder and CEO of WeRide. "This deployment demonstrates our commitment to providing safe and reliable autonomous mobility solutions that improve operational efficiency and enhance the passenger experience."
Overcoming Unique Challenges at Zurich Airport
Zurich Airport, nestled at the foot of the Alps, presents a complex operational environment for autonomous vehicles. The airport's stringent aviation-grade safety requirements, coupled with challenging weather conditions and high pedestrian traffic, demand advanced technological capabilities.
"Zurich Airport is committed to exploring innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience," said a spokesperson for Flughafen Zürich. "WeRide's Robobus technology has proven its ability to navigate complex environments and meet our rigorous safety standards."
WeRide's Proven Track Record in Autonomous Driving
WeRide's successful deployment at Zurich Airport follows a series of successful projects worldwide. The company's Robobus has been deployed in various cities, including Guangzhou, China, and Paris, France, showcasing its adaptability and reliability in diverse environments.
"WeRide's experience in navigating complex urban environments and meeting stringent safety requirements makes them an ideal partner for this project," said a spokesperson for Swiss Transit Lab. "We are confident that this deployment will pave the way for wider adoption of autonomous mobility solutions in the aviation industry."
Looking Ahead: Future of Autonomous Mobility at Zurich Airport
The initial phase of the Robobus deployment at Zurich Airport will include a safety driver on board. In subsequent phases, the operation will transition to remote monitoring, further enhancing efficiency and safety.
"We are committed to working closely with our partners to ensure the safe and successful integration of autonomous vehicles into the airport ecosystem," added Han. "This project is a significant step towards the future of autonomous mobility, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformative technology."
About WeRide
WeRide is a leading global autonomous driving technology company. With a focus on Level 4 autonomous driving, WeRide is committed to developing safe and reliable solutions for various applications, including passenger transportation, logistics, and municipal services.
About Flughafen Zürich
Flughafen Zürich is one of Europe's major aviation hubs, serving millions of passengers annually. The airport is committed to innovation and sustainability, continuously seeking solutions to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience.
About Swiss Transit Lab
Swiss Transit Lab is a research and development organization dedicated to advancing the future of mobility. The lab focuses on testing and validating new technologies, including autonomous driving, to improve public transportation and urban mobility.