Chinese multinational technology company Baidu received a permit on July 26 to operate fully driverless robotaxi services in Shanghai's Pudong New Area. The permit was issued during the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and allows the company's autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, to operate driverless on public roads in key areas of Pudong. This marks the first approval for fully driverless commercial services in downtown Shanghai.
The development represents a significant milestone for autonomous vehicle deployment in China's financial capital. Apollo Go becomes the first to receive a permit for commercial services in downtown Shanghai. The service had previously operated in Shanghai's Jiading district since early 2023, but the Pudong permit marks its first expansion into the city's central business district.
Pudong is a major financial and tech centre in Shanghai. The area houses key financial institutions, multinational corporations, and serves as a gateway to China's economy. With a population of over 5 million people across nearly 1,400 square kilometers, Pudong New Area is home to key financial institutions, multinational corporations, and high-tech innovation hubs.
Baidu's Apollo Go service operates Level 4 autonomous vehicles equipped with lidar sensors, cameras, and radar systems that enable full self-driving capability without human intervention. The robotaxis use a combination of computer vision, machine learning algorithms, and real-time data processing to navigate urban environments safely.
Baidu noted that its expansion into Pudong is backed by a "robust safety record" and aims to integrate driverless tech into the city's transportation network. The company has not disclosed the exact number of vehicles that will be deployed or when full operations will begin, stating only that services would launch soon under the current permit.
The permit adds to Baidu's growing autonomous vehicle footprint across China. As previously reported, Baidu's autonomous fleet comprises over 1,000 vehicles worldwide. The service operates in 15 cities, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The company has reported that as of May, Apollo Go has completed over 11 million rides.
Multiple companies received similar permits during WAIC 2025. Pony AI announced it received a permit for fully driverless commercial Robotaxi services in Shanghai Pudong New Area, and will start from Jinqiao and Huamu district first, then expand to other regions. WeRide and other autonomous vehicle developers also secured licences for the Pudong area.
Industry analysts view the Shanghai permits as indicative of accelerating commercialisation in China's robotaxi sector. The regulatory approval follows years of testing and gradual expansion of autonomous vehicle operations across Chinese cities. Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou have already permitted various levels of autonomous vehicle testing and commercial operations.
Earlier this year, Baidu partnered with Uber to expand autonomous ride-hailing services globally. The collaboration aimed to integrate Baidu's Apollo Go vehicles into Uber's app in selected international markets. The strategic partnership is seen as accelerating commercial adoption of robotaxis beyond China through shared mapping, safety, and autonomous driving technologies.
The Shanghai expansion comes as Baidu continues investing in scaling its autonomous vehicle fleet. The company recently launched sixth-generation robotaxis with detachable steering wheels, designed specifically for ride-hailing operations. These vehicles are expected to reduce operational costs and improve the economics of autonomous transportation services.