China’s Baidu has obtained a license to test its Apollo robotaxi service in Hong Kong, marking a step forward in its expansion beyond the Chinese mainland. The company plans to deploy its AI-driven multi-modal transportation platform in the city, aiming to provide customers with a safe, reliable, and convenient travel solution. The Apollo platform seeks to revolutionize the automotive industry by leveraging the potential of self-driving technology to enhance daily life. It is part of the broader Apollo initiative, which offers tools such as data and APIs to empower developers in creating innovative solutions using the technology.
The company also uses the technology in areas like detecting viruses, advancing vaccine research, providing digital and virtual human-like machines for the services industry, and developing intelligent hardware devices for use at home or work. Its autonomous ride-hailing platform Apollo Go has already started to see large-scale commercial use in China, with the firm saying it had operated over 7 million rides as of late July.
Baidu submitted applications for a pilot testing license and vehicle certification to the HK Transport Department (TD) last month, and a decision is expected by the end of the year. TD has promised to provide strict oversight per local laws and regulations. At the same time, the initial trials will be conducted during non-peak hours and involve a backup safety driver onboard with more than 10 years of driving experience.
It is the first approval granted under the updated regulatory framework and also marks Baidus’s first foray outside mainland China. The company is aiming to extend its Apollo Go robotaxi service beyond the country’s major cities, with the city of Wuhan having already opened its doors for the service.
The TD has approved Baidu Apollo International Ltd to conduct trials for 10 autonomous vehicles in North Lantau. The license will be valid from December 9, 2024, to December 8, 2029. The trials will only run on designated road sections between the Airport Car Park 4 and Chek Lap Kok South Road via Airport North Interchange, Third Sky Street, Sky City East Road, East Coast Road, and Scenic Road. The backup operator stationed on board can take control of the vehicle at any time during the tests.
The TD will also review the results of each trial and will consider extending the licenses to more autonomous vehicles or adding them to existing ones. In the longer term, TD hopes to support the development of self-driving vehicles by encouraging manufacturers to establish a network of designated testing sites across the city. It also intends to publish a guideline on autonomous vehicle development later this year. The TD plans to hold a consultation on the draft in the autumn and will work with other departments to ensure a comprehensive and holistic policy. It is the latest step in a broader strategy to promote the development of the robotics industry and AI technology.
