Grab to roll out Ai.R autonomous shuttle service in Punggol

It expects to carry its first passengers by early 2026

Grab will launch Ai.R, its first autonomous vehicle (AV) service in Singapore, in partnership with global AV leader WeRide. The service will operate in Punggol.

Selected by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), Ai.R will be the only AV service running on two routes in Punggol.

A fleet of 11 vehicles will start operations, featuring WeRide’s five-seater GXR and eight-seater Robobus.

Both models have cleared Singapore’s strict Milestone 1 (M1) safety assessment, allowing them to operate on public roads in autonomous mode.

Testing begins this month with a route familiarisation phase, during which the vehicles will run with onboard Safety Operators to map traffic lights, crossings, and road conditions.

Grab expects to carry its first passengers by early 2026, improving access to supermarkets, food courts, clinics, schools, business parks, and key transport hubs such as the Punggol Bus Interchange.

The Ai.R fleet uses cameras and LiDAR sensors to detect objects up to 200 metres away, even in heavy rain, and is programmed to follow Singapore’s traffic laws, including safe lane changes and full stops at amber lights.

Initial rides will be invite-only, including winners of Singapore’s SG60 lucky draw, before the service opens to the public.

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