The Sharing-VAN1.0 Plus, decorated with a pink cherry blossom pattern, waits for passengers in front of the School of Computer Science at Wuhan University. [Photo provided to en.whkfq.gov.cn]
An unmanned minibus dubbed the Sharing-VAN 1.0 Plus, developed by automaker Dongfeng Motor Co, was put into service as a special "cherry blossom viewing vehicle" at Wuhan University on March 13.
The Sharing-VAN minibus operates at the highest level of autonomous driving currently available - Level 4 - which is "highly autonomous" driving, one step below "fully autonomous" Level 5 driving.
The vehicle is also equipped with 5G communication technology. With the support of the "Internet of Vehicles" and the BeiDou system, it can support remote control driving. In cases of emergency, the vehicle can be taken over by remote control.
The campus blossom route of the Sharing-VAN is about 1 kilometer. In order to ensure the safety of passengers and pedestrians, the speed of the vehicle is controlled at about 10 kilometers per hour.
Passengers pose for s picture on the Sharing-VAN. [Photo provided to en.whkfq.gov.cn]
More than 20,000 medical workers, who had assisted in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province, and their relatives across the country, were invited to visit Wuhan University. The group, which included 4,000 people from outside Hubei province, enjoyed the cherry blossom at what is often called one of the most beautiful universities in China.
The cherry blossoms on campus were unappreciated last year after the university was closed to outsiders as part of the city's epidemic control period. More than 42,000 medical workers were rushed to Wuhan and other cities in Hubei to fight the virus.
The university showed its gratitude by designating Saturday and Sunday as special cherry blossom-viewing days for medical workers. Some 1,500 university students and teachers volunteered to welcome the guests by providing services such as guided tours and taking photos for them.
