Baidu Launches Robotaxi Testing in Shanghai with Apollo Go

Baidu Expands Robotaxi Testing to Shanghai with Apollo Go

Baidu, a leading Chinese search engine, has initiated public trials of its Apollo Go robotaxi platform in Shanghai. This move signifies the company’s ongoing efforts to broaden its presence within the Chinese market.

Level 4 Autonomy and Safety Measures

Although Baidu asserts its robotaxis have reached Level 4 autonomous capabilities, a human safety operator will be present during every ride. This is to ensure compliance with local regulations. Level 4 autonomy, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers, allows for operation without human intervention in most scenarios, but within defined geographical areas.

Companies such as Waymo, Cruise, and Pony.AI are employing similar technologies – including lidar, radar, cameras, and GPS – to develop the “brain” of these L4 autonomous vehicles.

Shanghai Fleet Details and Expansion Plans

The Shanghai fleet will consist of Baidu’s electric Hongqi EVs, the fourth-generation autonomous vehicles developed in collaboration with FAW.

While the initial number of deployed vehicles hasn’t been disclosed, a Baidu representative indicated a target of approximately 200 vehicles in Shanghai. Currently, Baidu is testing or deploying around 500 AVs across 30 cities in total.

Focus on the Chinese Market

Despite holding a permit for driverless technology testing in California, Baidu is prioritizing expansion within China. A company spokesperson stated that the demand for robotaxi services is significantly increasing domestically.

Therefore, Baidu is concentrating on refining its technology, increasing vehicle production, and optimizing the user experience. Shanghai is now the fifth city to offer the Apollo Go robotaxi service to the public, joining Changsha, Cangzhou, Beijing, and Guangzhou.

Recent Expansions in Beijing

Just recently, Baidu broadened its Apollo Go services in Beijing to include the Tongzhou District, adding 22 new stations spanning 31 miles.

In April, the company launched 10 fully driverless robotaxis within Beijing’s Shougang Park, a 1.2 square mile zone designated for China’s initial commercial robotaxi operations. These vehicles operate without a driver, but include a safety member in the passenger seat for rider reassurance.

Rides within Shougang Park cost 30 yuan ($4.60) and are available to passengers aged 18 to 60. Currently, rides in Shanghai are free as the service remains in its trial phase.

Shanghai Service Availability

In Shanghai, riders can utilize the Apollo Go app to request a robotaxi between 9:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. Pick-up and drop-off locations are limited to 150 stations within the Jianding District.

This district is home to Shanghai University, the Shanghai International Circuit, and numerous tourist destinations.

Apollo Park and Fleet Capacity

Baidu’s Apollo Park in Shanghai, a 10,000 square meter facility, serves as a hub for autonomous vehicle operation, testing, and research & development. It is designed to accommodate the 200 AVs Baidu intends to deploy in the city.

This would establish it as the largest self-driving fleet in East China.

Future Deployment Goals and Vehicle Production

Baidu aims to deploy 3,000 AVs across 30 Chinese cities within the next two to three years. Having invested in AV R&D since 2013 and launched the Apollo project in 2017, the company is well-positioned to achieve this goal.

In June, Baidu and BAIC Group revealed plans for the Apollo Moon, a vehicle slated for mass production at a cost of 480,000 yuan (approximately $75,000). Baidu plans to manufacture 1,000 of these vehicles, along with additional models, to support its expanding fleet.

Investing in Infrastructure

Baidu is also heavily investing in infrastructure to support Apollo Go. This includes the development of 5G-powered, V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) infrastructure at hundreds of intersections in major Chinese cities.

The company is installing sensors, such as cameras and lidar, alongside edge computing systems to transmit road information to autonomous systems, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion. Smart infrastructure is expected to enhance AV performance and reduce the costs associated with onboard sensors and computing power.

The Future of Autonomy: V2X

While Baidu’s robotaxis currently rely on onboard capabilities for Level 4 autonomy, the company envisions V2X technology as crucial for large-scale deployment in the future.