Autonomous vehicles bringing future of mobility closer to reality - Expert
However, the big question is affordability.
SHAH ALAM - The transportation industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution as autonomous vehicles are set to transform how we travel.
Malaysian Public Transport Users Association (4PAM) president Ajit Johl said autonomous vehicles were now a reality and have been extensively tested, showing promising results.
He said these advancements were likely to shape the future, especially for the rideshare industry, where the core challenge will revolve around costs.
"Technology improvements, especially in artificial intelligence (AI) for car accidents, have been good so far.
"Today, some vehicles are equipped with collision detection, alerting drivers to accident-prone areas or if they're driving too fast or too slow, which has helped reduce accidents.
"Would AI transform the industry? Yes, 102 per cent and will it enhance the industry? Without a doubt, 102 per cent," he told Sinar Daily during a Fireside Chat interview, recently.
He highlighted that for instance, one significant advantage of autonomous vehicles was eliminating the concerns around drivers' mental health.
Ajit added that removing the human factor made the entire experience more predictable and manageable, as human challenges were a major factor in road safety issues.
However, he said the big question was affordability.
"Would it become affordable enough for the user to pick it up? Let's say an AI car will cost you RM10 for the same journey and a driver might charge you RM8 so who would you pick?," he said.
He said price-sensitive customers might choose the cheaper option, while others who prioritise comfort or were less sensitive to cost might opt for the autonomous vehicle.
However, he said not everyone might be comfortable with autonomous technology.
Ajit said younger people might be more open to the thrill and innovation, while older generations, including parents, may feel uneasy about it.
He highlighted that adopting autonomous vehicles will require a brave, curious user base at first, but over time, comfort levels may shift.
"AI is here and it’s going to make a difference. I hope to see express buses using AI, as it could help prevent many accidents.
"Integrating AI in express buses could boost user confidence and improve public transport safety overall," he said.
Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Civil Engineering Associate Professor Dr Nur Sabahiah Abdul Sukor said research into leveraging AI to enhance e-hailing safety was progressing steadily.
"AI can use GPS tracking to monitor female passengers' locations and share them with trusted contacts.
"It can also monitor driver behaviour in real time, detecting unusual patterns like excessive stops or deviations from the planned route," she said when contacted.
Sabahiah said AI can also introduce emergency features, enabling passengers to report inappropriate behaviour instantly, allowing authorities or support teams to take swift action.
She said these advancements in AI technology were crucial for bolstering safety in the e-hailing industry.
