In a groundbreaking move, the Beijing high-level autonomous driving demonstration area has launched a road test of unmanned police patrol cars, marking a significant milestone for autonomous driving in China. This initiative, the first of its kind in the country, aims to test the capabilities of self-driving vehicles in performing essential police duties.
Fifteen self-driving patrol cars, equipped with flashing lights, have taken to the public roads within the autonomous driving demonstration area. These vehicles will work in coordination with officers from the Daxing branch of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, performing round-the-clock police duties. The tests will include various tasks such as patrolling, providing security for large-scale events, public announcements, issuing warnings, and emergency rescue work.
Developed by Neolix, a prominent autonomous vehicle developer, the unmanned patrol cars feature Level 4 autonomous driving technology. With a driving range of 100km, these vehicles can also complete battery replacement in an impressive 30 seconds. A key feature of these cars is their advanced 360-degree multi-sensor fusion perception capability, which allows them to detect objects within a range of up to 120 meters. Real-time computing based on road conditions ensures the safety of the vehicles while in operation.
The initial area covered by the unmanned vehicle team spans an impressive 60 sq km within the Beijing high-level autonomous driving demonstration area. This demonstration area, established in September 2020, comprises a vast expanse of 160 sq km that houses intelligent connected roads and a dedicated smart city network.
Currently, a total of 28 vehicle testing companies operate within this area, with over 800 vehicles engaged in testing and commercial exploration. These vehicles have collectively traveled more than 20 million km as part of their cumulative test mileage, highlighting the significant progress in autonomous driving technology.
China’s launch of unmanned police patrol cars signifies the country’s commitment to advancing autonomous driving technologies and exploring their potential in various sectors, including law enforcement. With ongoing developments and extensive testing, the future of self-driving vehicles in China looks promising, hinting at a transformative era of transportation.