Apollo Go Dubai: How Uber’s Driverless Robotaxi Launch Works
Starting August 20, riders in Dubai requesting an UberX or Uber Comfort may be matched with a fully driverless Apollo Go vehicle. The Apollo Go Dubai launch is the first step in a multiyear partnership between Uber and Baidu to expand Apollo Go vehicles across Uber’s global network.
How to request an Apollo Go vehicle in Dubai
Riders can request an UberX or Uber Comfort in the Uber app and may be matched with an Apollo Go vehicle. They can also select the “Autonomous” option to increase their chances of being matched with a robotaxi.
The service is initially available in selected areas of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. Uber and Baidu plan to expand the operating area. New Horizon Luxury Transport will serve as the fleet operator.
What vehicle does Apollo Go use?
The service uses Apollo Go’s sixth-generation RT6, a fully electric robotaxi designed for driverless operations. Each vehicle can carry up to three passengers and has more than 30 sensors for environmental perception and onboard data processing.
Uber said autonomous vehicles operating on its network, including Apollo Go vehicles, must meet its safety guidelines before deployment. The source does not specify the individual requirements of those guidelines.
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Why the Uber-Baidu partnership matters
The Dubai launch combines Baidu’s autonomous driving technology with Uber’s ride-hailing marketplace. The companies plan to use the partnership to expand Apollo Go vehicles across Uber’s global network.
For Baidu, Dubai is the first city where it says it has established both self-operated and partner-based autonomous ride-hailing services internationally. The source does not provide details on the self-operated service.
How large is Apollo Go’s existing operation?
Apollo Go currently operates in 28 cities. Its fleets have covered more than 350 million autonomous kilometres, including more than 240 million fully driverless kilometres.
In Dubai, the immediate rollout remains limited to selected areas of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. The next question is how quickly the operating area expands and how the service performs as more riders use the autonomous option.
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