Siri Ventures collaborates with NSTDA to develop 'driverless cars' and pilot test alongside 'drone delivery' and 'voice security sensor systems' for the first time! With SIRI VENTURES Private PropTech Sandbox at T77, pushing forward the Property Disruption in Thailand to enhance living innovations for Sansiri homeowners.

Siri Ventures, a leader in the Thai PropTech industry, reveals plans to test innovations for living in the SIRI VENTURES Private PropTech Sandbox, launching three future startups: AIROVR, a driverless vehicle technology; Fling, a drone delivery innovation; and SoundEye, an intelligent security sensor system that monitors abnormal sounds. The collaboration with NSTDA aims to create 3D Mapping to connect driverless cars, preparing for real-world trials in the fourth quarter of this year. In the second half of the year, investments in four startups are planned, totaling over 600 million baht, summarizing the success of the first half of 2019 and reinforcing the commitment to drive change through technology (PropTech) in the Thai real estate business, advancing to the next level and creating seamless living innovations in the digital era for Sansiri homeowners.

Mr. Jirapat Janjerdsuk, Chief Technology Officer of Siri Ventures Co., Ltd. (SIRI VENTURES), stated that after announcing plans to create a dedicated space for testing, developing, and simulating the innovations of startups for enhancing living for Sansiri homeowners under the name 'SIRI VENTURES Private PropTech Sandbox' late last year, the company has recently partnered with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and three potential startups to develop and test future living innovations in the second half of the year within the SIRI VENTURES Private PropTech Sandbox at the T77 project.

The innovations to be developed and tested include three areas:

1. Driverless Cars (Autonomous Car) in collaboration with AIROVR, a Thai startup developing systems for driverless cars, and NSTDA as a leading national agency in research and development of modern automotive technology. AIROVR will develop the necessary systems for 'driverless electric vehicles' to transport passengers from residential projects to the electric train (First Mile Transportation) and back to the residential projects (Last Mile Transportation). Meanwhile, NSTDA will help develop the necessary technology platforms, including Drive-by-Wire systems, sensor integration for driverless cars, positioning and navigation systems, control and command systems, and high-resolution 3D maps to enable real-world operation in the T77 project.

“First Mile and Last Mile Transportation is already happening abroad. We see an opportunity to enhance and develop this technology in Thailand to improve the convenience of living and lifestyle, starting with pilot tests running exclusively within the T77 project in the fourth quarter of this year, marking the first commercial trial of driverless cars in Thailand,” Mr. Jirapat said.

2. Drone Delivery in collaboration with Fling, a Thai startup developing drones. Fling will use drones to test delivery of goods from Habito Mall to Sansiri's condominium projects in the T77 area, expected to begin trials after obtaining necessary approvals from relevant agencies.

3. Security in collaboration with SoundEye, a startup developing an AI platform with sound recognition technology for smart buildings, the first of its kind in the world. SoundEye's microphone sensors have previously helped detect abnormal sounds, such as cries for help, water leaks, and gunshots in various buildings in Singapore, including Changi Airport. Trials will begin in the T77 project area in the fourth quarter of this year, marking the first use of SoundEye's system in a residential project.

“If we can successfully develop these technologies for real-world application in the future, we may see driverless cars and drones as Air Taxis disrupting living trends, making life more convenient and safer, while also elevating the Thai transportation sector and significantly transforming the Thai real estate industry. The convenience of consumer travel will lessen the importance of location in choosing a residence. Therefore, this partnership between Siri Ventures, NSTDA, and the three startups represents an important step forward,” Mr. Jirapat emphasized.

Dr. Jengkrit Kanatharana, Deputy Director of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), stated that the agency has continuously researched and developed modern automotive technologies, from electric vehicles to driverless cars. Additionally, we have collaborated with the Ministry of Transport to promote policies and regulations to support and prepare Thailand for the arrival of driverless car technology in the near future. We have also prepared the necessary infrastructure for developing the modern automotive industry, such as specialized centers for rail systems and modern transport, battery testing centers for electric vehicles, and driverless car testing centers in the Eastern Economic Corridor Innovation Zone (EECi). The collaboration with Siri Ventures and AIROVR today is a significant step in demonstrating the technology that NSTDA has researched and developed in real-world conditions for the benefit of both the business sector and the public. Furthermore, the creation of 3D Mapping for the T77 project can be linked with AIROVR's 'driverless cars' and Fling's 'drone delivery' for tangible pilot projects.

“Today marks a great opportunity to collaborate with Siri Ventures and startup partners, making this pilot project a reality for the first time in Thailand. Driverless cars and drones are no longer distant concepts. Many countries are seriously studying and developing both areas to bring benefits to both business and industry. If we take this first good step today, I believe we can further develop and apply driverless cars and drones to transform people's lives significantly,” Dr. Jengkrit concluded.

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