Uber and Baidu launch driverless robotaxi service in Dubai

Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) has made Baidu's (NASDAQ: BIDU, HKEX: 9888) fully driverless Apollo Go robotaxis available to riders in Dubai, with New Horizon Luxury Transport serving as the fleet operator, according to a press release from the companies on Thursday.

Riders booking UberX or Uber Comfort in select areas of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah may be matched with an Apollo Go vehicle, or can select an "Autonomous" option directly in the Uber app. The service uses Apollo Go's sixth-generation RT6, a fully electric robotaxi that accommodates up to three passengers and is equipped with more than 30 sensors.

The two companies describe the Dubai launch as the first step in a multi-year strategic partnership, with plans to scale thousands of Apollo Go vehicles across Uber's global network. Baidu states that Dubai is also the first city where it operates both self-run and partner-based autonomous ride-hailing services internationally.

You May Also Be Interested In

• IP Strategy Holdings receives Nasdaq noncompliance notice over late 10-Q
• Baird Upgrades STAG Industrial (STAG) to Outperform
• Macquarie Downgrades Shanghai Chicmax Cosmetic (2145:HK) to Neutral