Particle.news

Dubai Launches Baidu Apollo Go Robotaxis, With Public Service Set for March

Officials describe the all‑electric service as a step in Dubai’s smart mobility push enabled by new permits for driverless operations on designated roads.

Overview

  • Sheikh Hamdan rode in a fully autonomous RT6 taxi to the World Governments Summit and shared the trip on social media.
  • Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority granted the first permit to test driverless vehicles on selected public roads without a safety driver.
  • Authorities say around 100 self‑driving taxis will enter service in the coming weeks, with public operations scheduled to begin in March.
  • Baidu’s RT6 platform is the sixth generation of its robotaxi, equipped with more than 40 sensors including high‑precision LiDAR, multi‑band radar and advanced cameras.
  • Baidu reports more than 150 million kilometres and 10 million autonomous trips globally, and says Dubai is its first operation outside China.