Xiamen-made driverless bus on trial run at Digital China Summit

Xiamen King Long auto company's Apolong, the first commercial driverless bus in China, conducts trial operation at the First Digital China Summit held from April 22 to 24 in Fuzhou, Fujian province. [Photo/xmnn.cn]

Xiamen King Long auto company's Apolong, the first commercial driverless bus in China, began a trial run at the first Digital China Summit held from April 22 to 24 in Fuzhou, Fujian province.

Four Apolongs were put on a 600 meter loop road, including bends, straightaways and speed bumps.

The self-driving buses are capable of all driving actions without the help of a human being, such as avoiding obstacles, making a turn, and picking up or dropping passengers.

They are expected to make informed decisions, ease traffic congestion, save travel time, and reduce traffic accidents.

Chen Weiqiang, vice director of the King Long Engineering Institute, said that Apolong's strong self-driving ability comes from China's internet giant Baidu's Apollo platform, which boasts precise location, intellisense and intelligent control.

Apolong also subverts the concept of traditional vehicles by having no steering wheel, accelerator, or brake pedal.

According to Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co, Apolong will be put into mass production this July.

At the very beginning, the buses will be used to transport residents on the last kilometer or so of their travels in a closed place, such as scenic spots, industrial parks, and airports, and after the technology and related regulations are improved, will then be used on open roads.