The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has suspended its entire fleet of driverless buses following a collision between two autonomous vehicles within the airport's restricted area on Sunday afternoon.
The incident occurred at around 4.20pm yesterday. According to the Airport Authority, two driverless buses used to transport airport staff collided at a T-junction within the restricted area. Fortunately, neither bus was carrying passengers at the time, and no injuries were reported.
Photographs shared online suggested the collision happened near Terminal 1. Reports indicate that one bus, failed to stop for the passage of another bus with the right of way. Airport personnel were seen inspecting the vehicles following the incident.
The AAHK confirmed the collision was minor and emphasized that normal airport operations were unaffected.
As a precautionary measure, the authority immediately suspended the use of all its driverless buses pending further investigation and detailed checks. An investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.
Lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu stated that the route where the incident occurred is a newly planned one, with testing having commenced approximately six months prior. suggests that the accident may have been caused by a miscalculation of the driverless buses in judging each other's intended paths.
Two pilot licenses have been issued to allow 12 autonomous vehicles to be tested in North Lantau and the West Kowloon Cultural District.
The Hong Kong International Airport is recognized as the world's first and only to implement driverless vehicles extensively within its actual operations. The technology is used for diverse functions, including baggage and cargo transport, enhancing security patrols, and shuttling staff across the apron.
AAHK has actively pursued airport automation. Its program began in 2019 with the world's first driverless tractor for airport operations. The current fleet reportedly comprises 47 driverless tractors, 8 driverless patrol vehicles, and 6 driverless shuttle buses.
