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Baidu, Pony AI granted China’s first licences to charge passengers for self-driving taxis in Beijing
- The two companies can now charge fees for their so-called robotaxis in a designated area of the capital covering 60 sq km
- The taxis will have a human ‘security officer’ behind the wheel, ready to intervene if necessary
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Two operators including Chinese internet search giant Baidu have been given the green light to start charging passengers to use their autonomous taxis in Beijing.
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Baidu and Pony AI became the first companies to be granted licences by mainland Chinese authorities to launch their driverless cab services commercially following successful trial periods.
On Thursday, the Beijing High-level Automated Driving Demonstration Area gave permission for Baidu and Pony AI to charge fees for their so-called robotaxis in a designated area of the capital covering 60 square kilometres.
The plan, according to an announcement from Baidu, is to expand the service rapidly.
04:07
China’s automated driving technology speeds ahead with research by search engine giant Baidu
China’s automated driving technology speeds ahead with research by search engine giant Baidu
“With the successful trial operation of Baidu’s Apollo Go commercial service, both the number of autonomous cars and the area of operation are due to expand further to meet the needs of local commuters, setting a foundation for the wider and more rapid development of commercialised autonomous driving within China,” Baidu said in a statement.
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