WeRide, a China-based autonomous driving technology company, and Southeast Asia superapp Grab have begun Singapore’s first residential autonomous vehicle (AV) testing in Punggol, following approval from the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Testing started in mid October 2025 and involves the full Ai.R fleet, comprising 11 AVs—10 GXRs with five passenger seats each and one Robobus with eight seats.
The Punggol AV testing program is preparing for the launch of Grab’s Ai.R shuttle service, which will operate on two dedicated routes connecting residents to key amenities such as Punggol Coast MRT station, bus interchange, malls, and clinics. By the end of 2025, test runs are expected to increase fourfold, with public operations targeted for early 2026. Safety operators will be onboard at all times to ensure secure operations during testing and initial passenger services.
The AVs gather real-world data to refine AI driving models, including traffic patterns, pedestrian behaviours, and weather conditions. They feature advanced LiDAR and camera sensor suites with 360-degree vision and a 200-meter detection range. Testing focuses on precision driving, urban navigation, seamless pick-ups and drop-offs, and hazard response. GrabAcademy and WeRide are also training over ten experienced Grab driver-partners as Ai.R Safety Operators, combining theory, closed-circuit, and on-road practical training.
