Siri Ventures collaborates with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and the Department of Science Service (DOST) to present a new dimension of automotive innovation for convenient transportation in large residential areas for the first time in Thailand! This demonstration of 'Autonomous Vehicles' (Autonomous Vehicle) is a result of the collaboration between NSTDA and DOST in implementing driving control technology, combined with an application developed by Siri Ventures for requesting autonomous vehicle services. The roadmap spans 8 months, focusing on developing, testing, and analyzing the use of autonomous vehicles in a controlled environment at the SIRI VENTURES Private PropTech Sandbox in T77 Community. NSTDA and DOST aim to deliver prototype autonomous vehicle innovations for expansion in the private sector in the second quarter, while preparing the necessary infrastructure in the Eastern Economic Corridor Innovation Zone (EECi) in Rayong province, hoping to foster a new industry for the country. Meanwhile, Sansiri and Siri Ventures plan to build on the test results based on understanding residents' behaviors to provide autonomous vehicle services in Sansiri's future housing projects.

Mr. Jirapat Janjerdsuk, Chief Technology Officer of Siri Ventures Co., Ltd. stated, "Sansiri's homes will encompass all dimensions of living, and innovation is a crucial cog in enhancing the living experience of residents perfectly. The testing of autonomous vehicles at the SIRI VENTURES Private PropTech Sandbox in T77 Community, under the collaboration between Siri Ventures, NSTDA, and DOST, will allow us to learn about the behaviors of residents and actual users while being part of a significant step for Thailand in developing cutting-edge autonomous vehicle innovations for service in large residential projects, marking the first trial run in Thailand to pave the way for future real-world applications."

Dr. Narong Sirileertworakul, Director of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) revealed that NSTDA is committed to enhancing research and development in science and technology, as well as design and engineering, from fundamental research to create new knowledge and technology transfer for commercial use that will enhance the competitiveness of the industry. The development of science and technology is a key mechanism for driving and sustainably developing the country. Research and development of autonomous vehicles is another technology that NSTDA prioritizes, as Thailand needs to enhance its capabilities in science and technology to be on par with leading countries worldwide that have already begun using autonomous vehicles in transportation and logistics. The main goal is to increase road safety and facilitate the travel of citizens and goods. Coupled with the rapid technological changes in today's era, NSTDA must collaborate with partner agencies, including DOST, Siri Ventures, and others, to accelerate the development of autonomous vehicle technology in the country, which will lead to the enhancement of transportation infrastructure to be more flexible, accessible, and comfortable for the public. Additionally, it aims to foster the creation of a new industry in the country to succeed and keep pace with the world.

The testing of autonomous vehicles at the SIRI VENTURES Private PropTech Sandbox in T77 Community will take 8 months for development, testing, and analysis, starting from the fourth quarter of 2019 until the end of the second quarter of 2020. NSTDA and DOST play a crucial role in developing the technology platform for autonomous driving control, including Drive-by-Wire technology, integration of sensors for autonomous vehicles, positioning and navigation systems, control algorithms for driving, and high-resolution 3D mapping. Meanwhile, Siri Ventures has developed a consumer application to test the request for autonomous vehicle services and analyze the testing and usage behavior under controlled conditions, alongside the highest safety measures for residents and the community.

Dr. Ekarat Wainit, Director of the Modern Rail and Transportation Technology Research Center at NSTDA stated, "The real-world testing of autonomous vehicles in a controlled environment will focus on driving in straight paths, turns, and uphill, as well as safety systems, such as testing the stopping system when encountering obstacles, while simultaneously developing the control algorithms for autonomous vehicles. A fixed route will be established, and residents will be invited to participate in real-world testing through the application developed by Siri Ventures to gather user feedback for further analysis and development. This will be a milestone in delivering prototype autonomous vehicle technology innovations for further expansion in the private sector, starting with AIROVR, a Thai startup developing services for autonomous vehicles, within the second quarter. At the same time, a consortium of industry players will be formed to jointly develop feeder autonomous vehicles ready for real-world testing in the Eastern Economic Corridor Innovation Zone (EECi) in Rayong province by early 2021."

Mr. Jirapat Janjerdsuk, Chief Technology Officer of Siri Ventures Co., Ltd. revealed, "In addition to promoting the development of technology that meets the lifestyle needs of residents through the SIRI VENTURES Private PropTech Sandbox project, we have also developed an application to support the use of autonomous vehicles for consumers in the community for pick-up and drop-off at designated points in T77 Community, including tracking the vehicle's location. We will begin testing the autonomous vehicle service for local residents in the second quarter, alongside gathering feedback to assess satisfaction and collect suggestions from users for improvements, enhancing the service capabilities of the vehicles. Once this technology is ready for widespread use, Sansiri will be the first real estate developer in Thailand to pilot autonomous vehicle services to facilitate and enhance the living experience for Sansiri residents perfectly."

The success of the collaboration between Siri Ventures, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), and the Department of Science Service (DOST) this time will reflect our mission and commitment to not only focus on improving the quality of life but also to provide services that are at the heart of real estate service providers, integrating knowledge to create a tangible PropTech Ecosystem. We will also seek collaboration with partners who have expertise and similar goals to support, promote, and produce innovations to enhance competitiveness on the global stage," Mr. Jirapat concluded.