Hong Kong Autonomous Vehicle Tests Move up a Gear with Longer Routes

Hong Kong's transport authorities have authorised expanded testing for autonomous vehicles, extending routes from the airport island to Sunny Bay and Tung Chung town centre on Lantau. This decision marks a significant development in cross-district trials of driverless technology across the region. The updated pilot licence, granted to Baidu Apollo International, supports the city's objective of implementing driverless vehicles for wider geographical use in a controlled and systematic fashion.

Baidu's Apollo

The Transport Department confirmed that earlier trials in North Lantau demonstrated substantial progress. This included the simultaneous operation of multiple vehicles, successful passenger-carrying tests, and an increase in approved vehicle speeds and route lengths. These outcomes indicate Hong Kong's measured advancements in promoting autonomous driving, establishing a foundation for broader applications in the future.

And so, the new approval permits North Lantau trial routes to encompass up to 43.2 kilometres. Authorities also raised the number of autonomous vehicles permitted to operate concurrently for the open road passenger-carrying trial on the airport island, increasing the allowance from 10 to 20 vehicles. For the Tung Chung town centre trial, the limit rose from three to eight vehicles.

The department has further permitted trial vehicles to employ backup operators stationed remotely, rather than requiring their physical presence inside the compartment. This procedural adjustment represents a shift in operational oversight for these advanced systems.

But interested parties are encouraged by the department to submit applications for pilot licences. Criteria for reviewing these submissions include the system's design operating range and functions, adherence to relevant standards, and established guidelines. This methodical approach aims to maintain safety and operational integrity.

Baidu Apollo International currently conducts multiple trials across Hong Kong, including in North Lantau, Southern district, and Kowloon East. The Airport Authority is also independently carrying out its own autonomous vehicle trials within the confines of the airport itself.

Kwoon Chung Motors, another entity involved in these trials, is testing autonomous vehicles at the West Kowloon Cultural District arts hub. These concurrent operations across different urban and semi-urban environments reflect a broad engagement with the technology.

• Hong Kong transport authorities have approved longer autonomous vehicle trial routes on Lantau Island.

• The expanded licence permits trials between the airport island, Sunny Bay, and Tung Chung town centre, covering up to 43.2 kilometres.

• Baidu Apollo International holds the updated pilot licence for these extended operations.

• The number of simultaneous autonomous vehicles permitted for trials has increased across various locations.

• Remote backup operators are now allowed, removing the requirement for an in-vehicle presence.

Helicopter Travel Soars in China, Boosting Low-Altitude Economy During Spring Festival

On-demand helicopter services gained significant momentum during the Chinese New Year, offering fast travel and new routes across various cities. This surge in demand has given a substantial boost to the country's low-altitude economy.

Credit: HANDOUT

Bookings for these services increased nearly 1.5 times compared with normal levels during the hectic holiday period. Manager Li Xin of Shanghai Xinkong Helicopter highlighted this rise in demand.

Shanghai Xinkong Helicopter launched a new route connecting Shanghai with Haimen and Kunshan cities in neighbouring eastern Jiangsu province. Its helicopters can transport three passengers and four standard suitcases, with each journey leg taking 25 minutes.

Representative Gu Wenjun of Shanghai Xinkong stated the company launched five additional routes during the holiday. These new services connected locations in Zhejiang and Jiangsu, both neighbouring provinces, to meet increasing demand.

Marketing Director Zhang Xuefeng announced Xinkong's plan to expand its service network to at least 45 routes in the Yangtze River Delta region by 2030. The organisation aims for extensive regional coverage.

A one-way helicopter flight between Shanghai and Nantong costs USD 101, taking approximately 30 minutes. This journey reduces travel time by 70% compared with driving.

The rise in on-demand helicopter services provides an alternative for travellers seeking to avoid crowds during China's annual Spring Festival travel rush. This period is often described as the world's largest human migration.

Chinese travellers are expected to undertake 9.5 billion passenger journeys from February 2 through March 13. This robust consumer demand is fuelling the expansion of new helicopter routes across the country.

In southern Guangdong province, a special low-altitude route for the Spring Festival was introduced between Hengqin in Zhuhai and Shenzhen. This service shortens the intercity trip to just 30 minutes.

Another helicopter service connecting Nanchong in southwest China's Sichuan province and Chongqing also debuted during the holiday. These new routes demonstrate widespread growth.

Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanjing, and Chengdu are anticipated to pioneer regular low-altitude travel by 2027. Director Luo Jun of the Future Low-Altitude Economy Innovation Center of Sichuan Tianfu New Area shared this projection.

The low-altitude economy refers to aerial economic activities up to 1 kilometre above the Earth's surface. This sector encompasses various activities, including drone operations and manned aircraft.

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• On-demand helicopter services saw bookings rise nearly 1.5 times during the Chinese New Year.

• Shanghai Xinkong Helicopter launched new routes and plans to expand to at least 45 routes by 2030.

• A one-way helicopter flight between Shanghai and Nantong costs USD 101, reducing travel time by 70%.

Source: SCMP

Canada Presses OpenAI Over Safety Protocols After Shooter's Account Ban

Canada will question OpenAI officials on Tuesday regarding their safety protocols after the ChatGPT maker did not alert police about banning an account linked to an alleged mass shooter. This move comes as a government minister seeks clarity on the artificial intelligence organisation's internal reporting criteria.

Credit: UNSPLASH

Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, is suspected of killing eight people on February 10 before taking her own life. Police reported Van Rootselaar, who they say was born male but identified as a woman and began transitioning six years ago, had a history of mental health problems.

OpenAI stated it banned Van Rootselaar’s ChatGPT account last year for policy violations. The company said these violations did not meet internal criteria for reporting to law enforcement.

Federal Minister of Artificial Intelligence van Solomon has summoned OpenAI's top safety officials for a meeting in Ottawa. He hopes they will provide more details on their safety protocols, their escalation thresholds, and how they keep Canadians safe.

Mr Solomon told reporters he wants to understand exactly what OpenAI's technology does and what its human processes are concerning perceived threats. The minister aims for transparency so Canadians comprehend what is occurring.

OpenAI stated its systems flagged Van Rootselaar's account for "misuses of our models in furtherance of violent activities." The organisation considered contacting police but determined the account did not pose an "imminent and credible risk of serious physical harm to others."

The Liberal government introduced draft legislation in 2024 to combat online hate, an effort that stalled due to criticism over its broad scope. Ministers plan to reintroduce a revised bill this year, with Mr Solomon stating "all options are on the table" for AI chatbots.

The killings occurred in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, a town with approximately 2,400 residents.

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• Canada is questioning OpenAI officials about their safety protocols.

• The inquiry follows OpenAI's decision not to report the banned account of an alleged mass shooter to police.

• Federal Minister of Artificial Intelligence van Solomon is seeking details on OpenAI's escalation thresholds and internal processes.

Source: REUTERS