Baidu's Apollo Go is expanding its robotaxi service in Hong Kong, a move that is crucial for the company's profitability.
The service will begin testing near the airport later this year, adding to its operations in over ten cities in China. This expansion is important for Baidu as it helps distribute the costs associated with the system and research and development.
To ensure safety during the initial phase, Apollo Go will have safety drivers with at least ten years of driving experience. The robotaxis will operate during off-peak hours to create a controlled environment.
Baidu's strategy includes reducing the cost of its robotaxi vehicles, with the latest generation priced at 200,000 yuan, a 60% decrease from its predecessor. Baidu plans to deploy 1,000 of these vehicles in Wuhan by the end of 2024. Currently, Apollo Go provides around 1 million robotaxi rides per quarter, indicating rapid scaling and increased market presence.
Baidu aims to become a leader in the autonomous vehicle sector and its early investment in self-driving technology has positioned it well against competitors. As the industry evolves, safety, cost reduction, and scalability will be crucial. Baidu's advancements in robotaxi technology could have significant implications for the transportation sector, potentially reshaping how cities approach mobility in the future.