Baidu launches China's first 24/7 robotaxi service

BEIJING: Chinese AI company Baidu has announced a significant operation upgrade for Apollo Go, its autonomous ride-hailing service platform.

Apollo Go is now offering 24/7 autonomous driving service in selected areas of Wuhan, becoming China's first provider to offer such service.

This expansion to round-the-clock operations represents a major milestone for Apollo Go, providing non-stop autonomous driving services for a wider range of needs and potential users.

The extended service hours accommodate users with nighttime travel needs, ensuring a safer and more convenient service.

This 24/7 service expansion is just one of several operational milestones Baidu has achieved in China.

On Feb 27, 2024, Apollo Go launched fully driverless rides across the challenging landscape of the Yangtze River, covering both the north and south banks across the Yangsigang Yangtze River Bridge and Wuhan Baishazhou Bridge.

Previously, in August 2023, Baidu introduced driverless airport transportation services in Wuhan, establishing itself as China's pioneer in providing autonomous rides to and from airports, seamlessly connecting urban roads and highways.

On Feb 23, 2024, Apollo Go unveiled a similar service in Beijing, as Baidu was approved for robotaxi pilot operation on highways to Beijing Daxing Airport.

Wuhan is one of the world's leading cities in implementing intelligent transportation.

By the end of 2023, the total test mileage run by autonomous vehicles in the city has exceeded 3,378.73km, covering an area of about 3,000 square kilometres and a population of over 7.7 million.

Apollo Go currently operates a total of 300 fully driverless vehicles in Wuhan.