Transport Ministry rolls out Future Mobility Sandbox project

The Ministry of Transport and Logistics launched the Future Mobility Sandbox project, in partnership with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, and with support from the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program.

The project is the region’s first integrated testbed for various modes of transport. It aims to create a unique environment for testing advanced ideas, leveraging research capabilities in data science, artificial intelligence, clean energy and autonomous systems, the ministry stated via the “X” platform.

The project establishes a general framework for integrating efforts between the industrial and transportation systems to develop the experimental ground in support of the vehicle industry and smart and sustainable transportation technologies in the Kingdom, it added.

According to the ministry, the objectives of the project include boosting national capabilities in the field of vehicle testing and development, supporting technical and industrial localization efforts in the Kingdom, providing an advanced world-class innovation environment, developing infrastructure to support the growth of the automotive and transportation industries, empowering national talent, and motivating investment in targeted sectors.

Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh Al-Jasser said that the sandbox extends over 1.5 square kilometers and embraces all modes of transportation within a single and interconnected environment. He indicated that the project aims to enhance the adoption of modern technologies in the Kingdom and accelerate progress in future mobility technologies.

Further, this project will create unique and distinguished job opportunities in fields such as engineering, aviation, software, sustainability, and urban planning by 2030, he added.