Uber Riders in Dubai Can Now Hail Baidu’s Fully Driverless Apollo Go
Starting August 20, riders in Dubai requesting an UberX or Uber Comfort may be matched with a fully driverless Apollo Go vehicle.
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Global ride-hailing company Uber Technologies has announced that Baidu’s fully driverless Apollo Go vehicles are now available on its platform in Dubai.
Starting August 20, riders in Dubai requesting an UberX or Uber Comfort may be matched with a fully driverless Apollo Go vehicle. They can also select the “Autonomous” option in the Uber app to increase their chances of being matched with a robotaxi.
The launch is the inaugural step in a multiyear partnership under which Uber and Baidu plan to expand Apollo Go vehicles across Uber’s global network.
“Bringing our partnership with Baidu to life is a major step forward as we expand autonomous mobility globally,” said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous at Uber. “Launching in Dubai marks the first time our multi-partner vision comes to life on public roads, demonstrating how combining advanced autonomous technology with our global marketplace can accelerate an electric, shared, and autonomous future.”
The service is initially available in selected areas of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, with plans to expand its operating area. New Horizon Luxury Transport will serve as the fleet operator.
The service will use Apollo Go’s sixth-generation RT6, a fully electric robotaxi designed for driverless operations. Each vehicle can carry up to three passengers and is equipped with more than 30 sensors for environmental perception and onboard data processing.
“Dubai is also the first city where we’ve successfully established a dual-model offering both self-operated and partner-based autonomous ride-hailing services internationally,” said Nan Yang, Vice President of Baidu and General Manager of Overseas Business Unit, Intelligent Driving Group. “With this launch, we are excited to offer another way for riders in Dubai to enjoy the benefits of autonomous mobility.”
Apollo Go currently operates in 28 cities and its fleets have covered more than 350 million autonomous kilometers, including more than 240 million fully driverless kilometers.
Uber said all autonomous vehicles operating on its network, including Apollo Go vehicles, must meet its safety guidelines before deployment.
Global ride-hailing company Uber Technologies has announced that Baidu’s fully driverless Apollo Go vehicles are now available on its platform in Dubai.
Starting August 20, riders in Dubai requesting an UberX or Uber Comfort may be matched with a fully driverless Apollo Go vehicle. They can also select the “Autonomous” option in the Uber app to increase their chances of being matched with a robotaxi.
The launch is the inaugural step in a multiyear partnership under which Uber and Baidu plan to expand Apollo Go vehicles across Uber’s global network.
Entrepreneur Middle East Staff
Entrepreneur Staff
