WEF: How Google, GM and Uber Scale Autonomous Mobility

The World Economic Forum (WEF) recently highlighted how autonomous mobility can transform the global transportation landscape.

Companies like Google, GM and Uber are leading the way in adopting this innovative technology, which promises significant reductions in carbon emissions and new economic opportunities.

The potential of autonomous mobility to cut emissions

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) offer a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions, which are currently heavily driven by the transportation sector, accounting for about 20% of global emissions.

Key advantages of autonomous mobility include:

• Optimised travel routes: AVs can reduce congestion by optimising routes and traffic patterns.
• Reduced vehicle production: With fewer vehicles needed overall, there will be less demand for new vehicles, lowering the associated emissions.
• Improved public transport: Autonomous technologies can enhance public transport efficiency, reducing the need for individual vehicle ownership.

While these benefits are compelling, several hurdles remain to realise the full potential of autonomous mobility on a global scale.

The WEF's Framework for Autonomous Mobility

In its report, the WEF examines Saudi Arabia's use as a regulatory sandbox for developing and implementing autonomous mobility systems.

Sebastian Buckup, Head of Network and Partnerships and Member of the Executive Committee at WEF, states:  "As we navigate through the advancements of the 21st century, integrating autonomous mobility into our global transport systems is a pivotal development.

"The white paper aims to offer a framework to support these efforts, with Saudi Arabia serving as a key case study."

The financial potential of AVs

The financial prospects of autonomous mobility are immense.

McKinsey estimates that, by 2035, autonomous driving could generate between US$300bn and US$400bn in annual revenue.

The potential arises from critical factors:

• Lower operational costs: AVs reduce labour and fuel costs, making them more profitable. For instance, an autonomous bus could be profitable with only 10% occupancy, compared to the 30% required for traditional buses.
• The shift from ownership to shared mobility: As AVs become more prevalent, the shift from private car ownership to shared mobility services could accelerate, opening new avenues for infrastructure and service development. Estimates suggest that shared AV services could capture up to 35% of the total auto market.

Four steps to accelerate autonomous mobility

The WEF's report provides a four-step framework to facilitate the deployment of autonomous mobility:

1. Regulatory sandbox development: Creating environments for testing new technologies can be tested under controlled conditions.
2. Pilot selection: Choosing appropriate pilot projects to demonstrate the viability and benefits of autonomous mobility.
3. Pilot implementation: Deploying these pilots in real-world conditions to gather data and refine approaches.
4. Scaling: Expanding successful pilots to broader markets.

Basma AlBuhairan, Managing Director at the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, emphasises that the framework "seeks to address these challenges through a unified approach, integrating regulatory sandboxes with autonomous mobility testing environments."

Saudi Arabia's leadership in autonomous mobility

Saudi Arabia is pioneering the adoption of autonomous mobility technologies as part of its Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy and promote sustainability. 

The plan includes the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS) and the Autonomous Mobility Strategy (AMS), positioning the country as a global leader in this field.

To achieve these goals, Saudi Arabia is developing a comprehensive regulatory framework to support the implementation of AVs, focusing on:

• Safety standards and liability issues: Establishing clear guidelines for the safe operation of AVs.
• Cybersecurity requirements: Protecting AV systems from digital threats.
• Infrastructure needs: Building the necessary infrastructure to support widespread AV deployment.

Saudi Arabia invests in research and development centres and forms strategic partnerships with automotive companies to foster local innovation.

Current developments in autonomous mobility

Autonomous mobility is gaining traction globally. In the US, Waymo, an Alphabet-owned autonomous taxi service, operates in cities like Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles. 

Jeffrey Tumlin, Director of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, states: "For every new mobility technology that we are pitched in San Francisco, including autonomous vehicles, we ask companies how their tech helps improve our accessibility, safety, inclusivity and decarbonisation goals."

Similarly, General Motors Cruise has partnered with Uber to provide robot axes starting in 2025, signalling a move towards mainstream adoption of autonomous vehicles.

By adopting innovative strategies and regulatory frameworks, countries and companies worldwide are preparing to scale up autonomous mobility, unlocking its potential to reshape transportation and contribute to global sustainability goals.

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