Baidu Secures First Fully Driverless Robotaxi Permits in China
Chinese tech giant Baidu receives groundbreaking permits to operate fully driverless robotaxis on public roads in two major cities. This milestone marks a significant leap forward for the autonomous vehicle industry in China.
Chinese tech giant Baidu makes history by securing the first permits in China to operate fully driverless robotaxis on public roads. The company's Apollo Go service now operates without any safety drivers behind the wheel in the cities of Chongqing and Wuhan. This landmark approval allows passengers to hail a ride through a smartphone app and travel completely autonomously.
This development sets Baidu apart from competitors who still rely on human safety operators inside their vehicles during test runs. The permits cover a combined area of 60 square kilometers across the two cities, giving everyday citizens access to the futuristic technology. Baidu plans to gradually expand this fully driverless service to more Chinese cities as regulations evolve.
The approval comes shortly after Baidu unveils its latest Apollo RT6 vehicle, which features a removable steering wheel designed specifically for a future without human drivers. While the new steering-wheel-free design is not yet street legal, these new permits show Chinese regulators are steadily opening the door to completely autonomous transportation. This regulatory green light positions China as a fierce competitor against the United States in the global race to deploy self-driving cars.