FPT Company allowed to use self-driving car

HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Transport has approved FPT Software Co Ltd’s proposal for a pilot programme to operate a self-driving car around Sài Gòn Hi-tech Park.

In a letter to the company, the ministry said that it encouraged and supported the pilot programme because it was in step with global technology trends and the Government’s Industry 4.0 strategy.

The ministry asked the company to ensure safety during the programme.

To conduct the pilot programme, the ministry asked the company to work with different companies in the park to set up a detailed plan for the vehicle. The FPT Company must bear the responsibility for traffic safety and supervision.

The company also has the responsibility of reporting to the ministry results of the pilot programme and plans to resolve any problems resulting from its use on public roads after receiving approval from relevant organisations, according to the letter from the ministry.

According to Phạm Minh Tuấn, general director of FPT Software Co Ltd, at the beginning of 2016, the company founded FPT Global Automotive (FGA), tasked with developing automotive applications with three main parts, including self-propelled automobiles, safety systems and leisure systems.

So far FGA has 2,000 workers, enough to work on all of the self-driving car’s functions.

After a year of research, the company successfully operated the vehicle around company headquarters in the Sài Gòn Hi-tech Park.

The car can reach speeds of 25kph, turn left and right, apply its brakes and avoid obstacles.

The company will continue to use the automobile inside the hi-tech park with a supervisor.

The pilot programme will help complete the design of the car, including the steering wheel, brakes and fuel system. — VNS