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28. July 2025
Baidu Scores Landmark Approval For Autonomous Robotaxi Service In Shanghai
Baidu Secures Historic Permit for Driverless Robotaxi Services in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area, Marking a Major Milestone in the Company’s Expansion Efforts
Chinese technology giant Baidu has received approval from regulatory authorities to operate fully autonomous driverless robotaxi services in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area. This milestone marks a significant turning point for Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, and represents a major step forward in the company’s efforts to scale its fully driverless fleet globally.
The permit was issued during the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), a premier event that brings together leading experts and industry leaders to discuss the latest advancements in AI and related technologies. The approval allows Apollo Go to operate on public roads in key areas of Pudong, marking the first time that fully driverless commercial services have been permitted in downtown Shanghai.
Baidu’s decision to expand its operations into Pudong is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and its confidence in the safety and effectiveness of its autonomous technology. The move is also seen as a strategic play by Baidu, which aims to integrate its Apollo Go vehicles into the transportation network of one of China’s busiest urban zones.
Apollo Go began its Shanghai operations in Jiading in early 2023, with the service receiving permits to test driverless vehicles on open roads in Pudong just six months later. Since then, the service has undergone extensive testing and refinement, with Baidu continually working to improve the accuracy and reliability of its autonomous systems.
The approval for Apollo Go’s full commercial operation in Pudong marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy. With this new permit, Baidu is poised to become one of the first companies to offer fully driverless commercial services in downtown Shanghai, a move that is expected to have a profound impact on the city’s transportation landscape.
Baidu has not disclosed an exact timeline for when full operations will begin, but confirmed that services would launch soon under the current permit. As previously reported, Baidu’s autonomous fleet comprises over 1,000 vehicles worldwide, with the service operating in 15 cities, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The company’s autonomous fleet has already demonstrated its potential with impressive numbers of completed rides. As of May, Apollo Go has logged over 11 million rides, further solidifying Baidu’s position as a leader in the development of autonomous transportation systems.
Baidu’s expansion into Pudong is also seen as part of the company’s broader strategy to integrate its autonomous technology into the transportation network of key cities around the world. The move reflects the company’s commitment to collaboration and innovation, with partnerships such as the one announced earlier this year with Uber.
The partnership between Baidu and Uber aims to accelerate the commercial adoption of robotaxis beyond China, with both companies sharing mapping, safety, and autonomous driving technologies. This strategic collaboration is seen as a key factor in the success of Baidu’s Apollo Go service, with the company expected to benefit from increased exposure and access to new markets.
In addition to its expansion efforts, Baidu has also reported strong growth in revenue during the first quarter of FY25, driven by significant increases in its AI cloud and autonomous driving segments. The company highlighted Apollo Go as a key contributor to this performance, with executives stating that Baidu would continue investing in scaling its fully driverless fleet and expanding into new cities.
The success of Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing service is also reflected in the company’s growing confidence in the potential of robotaxis to transform the transportation industry. Executives have highlighted the benefits of autonomous vehicles, including reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, and enhanced safety.
As Baidu looks to expand its operations into new markets, it is clear that the company remains committed to innovation and investment in its autonomous technology. The company’s historic permit for driverless robotaxi services in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area marks a significant milestone in this journey, with many experts predicting further growth and expansion in the coming years.
With its extensive fleet of vehicles and growing network of driverless cities, Baidu is well-positioned to capitalize on the rapidly evolving transportation landscape. As the company continues to push the boundaries of autonomous technology, it remains to be seen which other markets will follow Shanghai’s lead in embracing fully driverless commercial services. One thing is certain, however: Baidu’s pioneering efforts are set to have a profound impact on the future of transportation around the world.
Baidu’s milestone achievement highlights the growing importance of China as a hub for autonomous vehicle development and deployment. The country has been at the forefront of autonomous technology innovation, with many leading companies like Baidu, Geely, and BYD actively working on commercializing their autonomous solutions.
The approval for Apollo Go’s full commercial operation in Pudong is also seen as a key indicator of China’s commitment to supporting its domestic tech industry. The Chinese government has been actively promoting the development of autonomous vehicles as part of its efforts to drive economic growth and improve transportation efficiency.
As Baidu continues to expand its operations, it will be closely watched by regulators and industry experts around the world. The company’s success in Shanghai is expected to pave the way for similar developments in other cities globally, and could potentially set a new standard for autonomous ride-hailing services in urban areas.
The approval has also generated significant interest from investors, with Baidu’s stock price experiencing a notable increase following the announcement. The company’s decision to expand its operations into Pudong is seen as a strategic move aimed at capitalizing on growing demand for autonomous transportation services.
Baidu’s strategy of integrating its autonomous technology into key cities around the world reflects the company’s focus on expanding its reach and influence in the global market. With this approach, Baidu aims to establish itself as a leader in the development of autonomous transportation systems, and capitalize on the rapidly evolving landscape of smart city technologies.
The approval for Apollo Go’s full commercial operation marks a significant milestone in Baidu’s journey towards becoming a leading player in the autonomous vehicle industry. As the company continues to push the boundaries of autonomous technology, it remains to be seen which other markets will follow Shanghai’s lead in embracing fully driverless commercial services. One thing is certain, however: Baidu’s pioneering efforts are set to have a profound impact on the future of transportation around the world.
Baidu has made significant investments in its autonomous technology over the years, with a focus on developing highly advanced and reliable systems that can operate safely and efficiently in real-world environments. The company’s commitment to innovation and investment in its autonomous technology is evident in its extensive research and development efforts, which have yielded numerous breakthroughs in areas such as computer vision, machine learning, and sensor fusion.
The success of Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing service is also attributed to the company’s strong partnerships with key stakeholders in the industry. The partnership between Baidu and Uber, for example, has enabled the two companies to share resources and expertise, accelerate the commercial adoption of robotaxis beyond China, and reduce costs associated with developing and deploying autonomous vehicles.
As Baidu continues to expand its operations, it will be closely watched by regulators and industry experts around the world. The company’s success in Shanghai is expected to pave the way for similar developments in other cities globally, and could potentially set a new standard for autonomous ride-hailing services in urban areas.
The approval has also generated significant interest from investors, with Baidu’s stock price experiencing a notable increase following the announcement.