Baidu and Pony AI Win First Chinese Licences for Paid Robotaxis
Chinese tech firms Baidu and Pony AI become the first companies authorized to charge passengers for autonomous taxi rides in a 60-square-kilometer area of Beijing.
Baidu and Pony AI make history as the first companies to receive licences from Chinese authorities to charge passengers for autonomous taxi rides. This commercial approval follows successful trial periods and allows the firms to operate their so-called robotaxis within a designated 60-square-kilometer zone in Beijing's High-level Automated Driving Demonstration Area.
Despite the commercial launch, the self-driving taxis still require a human security officer to sit behind the wheel. This safety measure ensures that a person is always ready to intervene if the automated system encounters an unexpected issue on the road.
Baidu outlines ambitious plans to expand this commercial service rapidly to meet growing commuter demand. By increasing both the number of autonomous vehicles and the operational area, the company aims to establish a strong foundation for the broader and faster development of commercialized autonomous driving across China.