Dubai has taken another step towards driverless transport, with Uber introducing Baidu’s fully autonomous Apollo Go robotaxis on its platform.
Starting August 20, riders requesting an UberX or Uber Comfort in selected parts of Dubai may be matched with an Apollo Go vehicle. Riders can also choose the “Autonomous” option in the Uber app to increase their chances of getting a driverless vehicle.
Apollo Go launches in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim.
The service is initially available in selected areas of Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim, with plans to expand to more parts of Dubai.
New Horizon Luxury Transport will operate the fleet, while Baidu will provide its autonomous driving technology.
The launch marks the beginning of a multiyear partnership between Uber and Baidu aimed at bringing Apollo Go vehicles to Uber’s wider global network.
Fully driverless electric robotaxis
The Dubai service will use Baidu’s sixth-generation RT6 robotaxi, an all-electric vehicle designed specifically for autonomous operation.
Each vehicle can carry up to three passengers and uses more than 30 sensors to monitor its surroundings and process information while driving.
Unlike some autonomous ride-hailing services that still require a safety driver inside the vehicle, the Apollo Go vehicles introduced through this Dubai service are designed to operate fully driverless.
Baidu said Dubai is also the first international city where it has established both self-operated and partner-based autonomous ride-hailing services.
How Uber riders can get an Apollo Go
Passengers do not necessarily have to select a separate robotaxi service.
When requesting an UberX or Uber Comfort, they may be matched with an Apollo Go vehicle if one is available in the operating area.
Selecting the Autonomous option gives riders a greater chance of being matched with one.
Uber said autonomous vehicles operating on its platform must meet its safety requirements before being deployed.
Apollo Go’s global expansion
Apollo Go currently operates in 28 cities, according to Baidu, with its vehicles having covered more than 350 million autonomous kilometres.
More than 240 million kilometres of that total were completed fully driverlessly.
The Dubai launch gives the technology a new international market while giving Uber another way to expand autonomous mobility without relying on a single technology provider.
For Dubai riders, the change is more immediate: in parts of Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim, a routine Uber booking can now arrive without a driver behind the wheel.
Image courtesy Baidu
