Baidu’s Apollo Go ride-hailing service platform has launched trial operation in Shenzhen’s Nanshan district, providing autonomous robotaxi services to Shenzhen commuters.

Shenzhen is the seventh city where Baidu has introduced its robotaxi ride services in China, following Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Changsha and Cangzhou. Shenzhen’s Nanshan district, home to top tech companies including Tencent and Huawei, is one of the most densely populated areas in south China.

The launch of Baidu’s robotaxi services is set to drive further developments in autonomous driving in Shenzhen and accelerate the development of local intelligent connected vehicles, underscoring Baidu’s continuous efforts and ambition to lead the transformation of intelligent transportation in China.

Users will be able to hail a robotaxi via the Apollo Go app at one of approximately 50 stations, with daily operating hours from 9am to 5pm. Services will be centred around key downtown spots such as Shenzhen Talent Park, covering surrounding residential areas, commercial areas, entertainment and cultural areas, and other high-frequency transport destinations. The service area is set to expand to more than 300 stations by the end of 2022, meeting the growing daily travel needs of Shenzhen residents.

As a hub of innovation for Shenzhen and the wider Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Nanshan district has a favourable policy environment and a strong road network, providing better conditions for the rapid implementation of robotaxi services and the development of autonomous driving technology.

As a pioneer in China’s autonomous driving field, Baidu Apollo offers technology and autonomous driving. As of late last year, Apollo L4 has accumulated over sixteen million test kilometres.

The Apollo Go ride-hailing platform has also been authorised to provide paid service in China’s first-ever demonstration zone for commercial autonomous driving in Beijing. In addition, the manufacturing cost of Baidu’s latest robotaxi model Apollo Moon has been brought down to RMB480,000 per unit, with the models being added to Apollo Go’s robotaxi service.

Baidu has set a goal to expand Apollo Go operations into 65 cities across China by 2025 and 100 cities by 2030. Baidu aims to continue its efforts to collaborate with more cities and expand the footprint of Apollo Go, providing safer and better autonomous car services to more users.

Founded in 2000, Baidu is an AI company with an internet foundation.