Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT) has established itself as a key player in research on autonomous mobility. However, the Portuguese legislative framework remains a significant obstacle, as it prohibits autonomous vehicles on public roads, even for research purposes. To address this limitation and following the recent news about the new "robôtaxi" presented by Tesla, we spoke with IT researchers Joaquim Ferreira and Susana Sargento. 

Globally, advancements in autonomous mobility are rapidly progressing. Tesla recently unveiled its "We, Robot" robotaxi project, featuring a "cybercar" model. Similarly, companies such as Waymo (Google), Cruise (General Motors), and Baidu have already launched operations in the U.S. and China [in ECO]. In Portugal, despite ongoing research initiatives led by researchers like Susana Sargento and Joaquim Ferreira, such projects currently lack a legal framework due to the national highway code, which mandates a legally qualified driver for all vehicles on public roads. 

According to Susana Sargento, also a professor at the University of Aveiro, the primary hurdles to advancing autonomous vehicle technology in Portugal are not technological but governmental and legislative: “The advantages of autonomous vehicles are obvious: enabling car-as-a-service models and improving urban mobility. A well-controlled and shared system could offer a personalized mobility experience while increasing vehicle efficiency. With widespread adoption, robotaxis could optimize traffic flow, reduce commute times, lower costs, and significantly cut pollution,” she explained. 

Joaquim Ferreira highlighted the constraints imposed by the lack of national legislation for autonomous vehicle testing on public roads: “In initial testing phases, autonomous vehicles are accompanied by a safety driver and co-pilot to ensure the safety of all parties involved. More advanced testing, without a safety driver, requires remote operators ready to intervene in case of software failures,” he said. Ferreira also emphasized the need for collaboration with regulatory bodies such as the IMT and ANSR to facilitate testing in real-world, non-segregated environments. 

Despite these challenges, Portugal has the expertise and infrastructure necessary for autonomous mobility research. Ferreira noted that advancements in this area could enhance the competitiveness of Portugal's automotive components industry, particularly in safety-critical software and subsystems. 

Under the coordination of these researchers, IT is spearheading the ROUTE25 project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at positioning Portugal as a leader in autonomous, intelligent, and inclusive mobility within the European Union. Launched in 2022 and led by Capgemini, ROUTE25 involves 27 national partners, including industry leaders and RD&I entities. The project's completion is anticipated by September 2025, to mobilize the legislative and technological agenda to unlock the potential of autonomous mobility in Portugal and beyond. 

By addressing these legislative challenges and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and regulatory bodies, Portugal could emerge as a significant player in the future of autonomous mobility, states Ferreira.

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