Starting today, Ontario roads become the main testing ground for the he first automated vehicle pilot program in Canada. The program is being led by The University of Waterloo, the Erwin Hymer Group and BlackBerry QNX.
In total, three cars will hit Ontario roads with the new automated technology. The program could result in the development of fully automated self-driving cars in Canada, and abroad.
The pilot is set to run for 10 years, and under the rules, a driver must remain in the driver’s seat at all times.
Automated vehicles are driverless or self-driving vehicles capable of detecting and navigating the surrounding environment. They also have the potential to help improve road safety and fuel efficiency, as well as reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.
Participants in the pilot project include:
The WATCar Project at the University of Waterloo’s Centre for Automotive Research.
The Erwin Hymer Group, an international auto manufacturer active in the Kitchener-Waterloo tech and innovation corridor.
BlackBerry QNX, a Canadian global software development leader, which will test a 2017 Lincoln with automated features.
Ontario became the first province in Canada to create a pilot regulatory framework to test automated vehicles on its roads on Januar1, 2016.