Baidu Inc’s fully driverless robotaxis began operating on Uber Technologies’ platform in Dubai on Wednesday, marking the first international deployment of Apollo Go’s self-driving service in partnership with a ride-hailing network.
Fleet operator New Horizon Luxury Transport is deploying Apollo Go’s sixth-generation RT6 vehicles, which are fully electric and equipped with more than 30 sensors for perception and real-time data processing. The vehicles, designed for fully driverless operations, can accommodate up to three passengers and are initially available in select areas of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, with plans to expand coverage.
Riders in Dubai can now request Apollo Go vehicles through Uber’s app by selecting either an UberX or Uber Comfort ride, which may be matched with a driverless vehicle. Alternatively, users can choose a dedicated “Autonomous” option to increase the likelihood of securing a robotaxi. Uber requires all autonomous partners to comply with its Safety Guidelines.
Baidu’s Apollo Go operates in 28 cities globally, with a cumulative 350 million autonomous kilometers logged, including over 240 million fully driverless kilometers. The Dubai launch represents the first time Uber’s multi-partner autonomous vehicle vision has been implemented on public roads, according to Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous.
Nan Yang, Baidu’s Vice President and General Manager of Overseas Business Unit within the Intelligent Driving Group, noted that Dubai is the first city where Baidu has established both self-operated and partner-based autonomous ride-hailing services internationally.
