Uber has launched fully driverless robotaxi services in Dubai, initially covering Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.
Riders booking UberX or Uber Comfort in the two areas may now be matched with a fully autonomous Apollo Go vehicle, the company said. Uber plans to expand the service across the emirate.
The service uses Apollo Go’s sixth-generation RT6, an all-electric robotaxi developed by Baidu. Dubai is the first city where Baidu has introduced both self-operated and partner-based autonomous ride-hailing services internationally, according to the company.
“Launching in Dubai marks the first time our multi-partner vision comes to life on public roads,” said Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s global head of autonomous.
Apollo Go operates in 28 cities worldwide and its fleets have completed more than 240 million fully driverless kilometres, according to the announcement.
Dubai granted Apollo Go its first permit to test fully driverless vehicles in January. WeRide, another China-based autonomous-driving company, has also received a UAE federal licence to operate fully driverless robotaxis.
Source: AGBI
