Self-Driving Shuttle Trial Launches at Quba Mosque in Madinah

The Transport General Authority, in cooperation with the Madinah Region Development Authority, has launched a self-driving RoboBus shuttle trial at Quba Mosque in Madinah.

The 60-day pilot project is intended to assess operational readiness, service quality, and infrastructure integration for autonomous transport systems in key public locations ahead of possible wider deployment across Saudi cities.

The autonomous electric minibus can carry up to 20 passengers and operates through an AI-supported system using sensors, LiDAR technology, and high-resolution cameras to navigate safely around pedestrians and visitors.

The route extends approximately 700 metres through the mosque’s inner courtyard, connecting designated entry points for male and female visitors through a fully automated transport system.

Officials said the RoboBus follows a predefined golf cart route to maintain traffic flow and prevent route deviations during operation.

The pilot will also collect field data through high-resolution digital mapping systems to evaluate how autonomous driving technology integrates with surrounding infrastructure and operational requirements.

Authorities said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to develop smart and sustainable transport systems while supporting Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation strategy and the designation of 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence.