Ukrainian ride-hailing service Uklon, together with Boryspil International Airport, has launched the country’s first testing of remote control car technology. The project is intended to become a technological bridge to the launch of fully autonomous transport and unmanned robotaxis in Ukraine in the coming years.
Ukrainian ride-hailing service Uklon, together with Boryspil International Airport, has launched the country’s first testing of remote control car technology. The project is intended to become a technological bridge to the launch of fully autonomous transport and unmanned robotaxis in Ukraine in the coming years.
This was announced by company representatives and government officials during the official presentation of the initiative, which took place today, May 27, at the airport.
Testing remote driving technology in the closed territory of Boryspil will allow developers to investigate the operation of remote transport control under various conditions, as well as prepare a regulatory and normative framework for the future use of autonomous vehicles on Ukrainian public roads.
The initiative uses equipment and software from the Estonian company Elmo, which already has the relevant certification in the European Union. The operator controls the machine in real time from a special station equipped with screens and controls. The video stream and telemetry data are transmitted via communication networks using sensors, cameras and lidar.
«Ensuring a stable connection with minimal delay is the foundation for the operation of remote transport… This project is confirmation that the synergy of the telecom and IT sectors in the Kyivstar group of companies, which includes Uklon, creates unique solutions and opens up new opportunities for the country,» said Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov.
The pilot project involved Uklon partner drivers, including a wheelchair-bound war veteran. The technology of remote control using manual control makes it possible to involve people with lower limb amputees in work, opening up new inclusive employment opportunities in the IT and logistics sectors.
«The global world is rapidly moving towards remote and autonomous transport systems. Despite the challenges of war, Ukraine must remain among the technological leaders. Together with the state, we are ready to jointly form a roadmap for the development of autonomous cars and introduce innovations,» commented Uklon CEO Serhiy Grishkov on the launch of the project.
The presentation of the technology was attended by representatives of the relevant government, in particular, the acting Minister of Digital Transformation Oleksandr Bornyakov and Deputy Minister of Economy Oleksandr Tsybort. According to Bornyakov, testing drones is part of the implementation of the Strategy for Digital Innovation Development of Ukraine until 2030 WINWIN, which is critically important for the technological sovereignty and economic growth of the state.
