Global robotics expert lauds plan to use autonomous vehicles in Singapore, but raises some concerns

On-demand autonomous shuttle buses during the official launch of a public trial run at Sentosa island resort in Singapore in August. — AFP

Singapore's plan to put autonomous vehicles (AVs) on the road in the Republic was praised by global robotics expert Dr Ayanna Howard, who raised questions about the way AV tests are currently conducted overseas but also said there is little reason to fear technology.

Dr Howard, a former Nasa researcher who has been identified by Forbes magazine as one of the top 50 United States women in tech, said there is a need to consider the human factor in testing AVs.