Chinese tech giant Baidu says its next-generation autonomous taxi features the capabilities of a “skilled driver with 20 years of experience.”
The Beijing-based company, which operates a ridesharing service similar to Uber’s, unveiled the all-electric Apollo RT6 at a special event on Wednesday, July 20.
Baidu plans to deploy the Apollo RT6 in large numbers in 2023 as part of Apollo Go, the company’s autonomous ride-hailing service that operates in 10 Chinese cities.
Images (below) of the new car reveal a futuristic-looking interior that ditches the steering wheel along with other components associated with traditional vehicles. However, Baidu said that during a trial phase, the Apollo RT6 will operate with a steering wheel and a safety driver until regulators give the green light to do away with both.
Baidu’s next-generation autonomous robotaxi.
Baidu’s next-generation autonomous robotaxi. Baidu
Baidu’s next-generation autonomous robotaxi.
Baidu’s next-generation autonomous robotaxi.
“The steering wheel-free design unleashes more space to craft unique interiors, allowing for the installation of extra seating, vending machines, desktops, or gaming consoles,” Baidu said in a statement on its flashy new robotaxi.
The Apollo RT6 car is actually Baidu’s 6th generation self-driving vehicle, but the previous designs are essentially conventional automobiles kitted out with self-driving tech.
Baidu’s new self-driving car currently offers autonomous driving capabilities graded at Level 4, which is highly advanced and one grade short of the maximum Level 5, which…
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