ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
China tech

Baidu's self-driving taxis now a common sight in Beijing

Chinese company to compete with rival Didi in rolling out new transport option

Baidu's self-driving cab can make up to 29 journeys a day, while conventional taxis deliver about 30 rides and ride-sharing services between 10 and 20. (Photo by Shunsuke Tabeta)

BEIJING -- Driverless taxis operated by artificial intelligence are becoming a common sight in China's capital, with such cabs operated by Chinese tech group Baidu transporting nearly as many passengers as a normal taxi on a daily basis.

This reporter recently took a Baidu cab around the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone some 20 km southeast of Beijing. After the pickup location and destination had been entered on a smartphone app, a vehicle with a flashy yellow and red logo soon appeared with nobody behind the wheel. 

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more