China’s Baidu Brings Its Robotaxis to Europe
Baidu is crossing continents. The Chinese tech giant confirms that its Apollo Go driverless taxi service starts trials in Switzerland this December, marking the company’s first venture onto European roads.
The test marks a defining moment for Baidu’s autonomous driving program, one of the largest and most advanced in the world. Working with PostBus — Switzerland’s national public transport operator — Baidu plans to introduce its fully driverless taxi network, known as AmiGo, by 2027. When complete, the cars will operate without steering wheels or human drivers.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
Baidu’s Robotaxi Heads West
Baidu already operates one of the world’s largest autonomous ride-hailing fleets across China, covering major cities like Beijing, Shenzhen, and Wuhan. The Swiss expansion extends that expertise into a new regulatory and cultural environment.
For the European pilot, Baidu uses its Apollo RT6, a purpose-built electric vehicle designed for complete autonomy. The RT6 lacks a traditional driver’s seat, and the steering wheel can be removed. Users book rides through a mobile app, similar to Uber or Lyft, but without a driver on the other end.
Each vehicle integrates Level 4 autonomy, meaning it navigates independently in most conditions without human intervention. Inside, the experience resembles a moving lounge — with screens, interactive lighting, and adaptive voice controls powered by Baidu’s Apollo AI platform.
According to Baidu Apollo Vice President Wang Yunpeng, “The Apollo RT6 represents a turning point where autonomous vehicles transition from advanced prototypes to scalable, consumer-ready products.”
Why Switzerland?
Switzerland offers a strategic entry point for Baidu’s European ambitions. The nation’s strict transport regulations, precision engineering culture, and reputation for safety create ideal testing conditions. Its compact geography and predictable infrastructure also reduce the complexity of autonomous mapping and route optimization.
By partnering with PostBus, Baidu gains access to local logistics, compliance networks, and operational insight from one of Europe’s most trusted transport providers. The collaboration helps Baidu adapt its technology to European standards, paving the way for commercial robotaxi deployment across the EU.
Competition Gears Up
Baidu’s move comes as global competitors race to control the autonomous ride-hailing market.
Waymo, part of Google parent Alphabet, announced test programs in London set to begin within months. “We’ve demonstrated how to responsibly scale autonomous ride-hailing, and we can’t wait to expand the benefits of our technology to the United Kingdom,” said Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana.
Meanwhile, Uber partners with British AI startup Wayve to test Level 4 self-driving cars on London roads starting in 2026. These trials mark Europe’s growing readiness for driverless services that reduce congestion, accidents, and emissions.
Still, Baidu’s entrance is unique. Unlike its Western peers, the company already operates over 1,000 robotaxis across 16 cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong. To date, Apollo Go has completed more than five million rides globally, giving Baidu the operational experience few rivals match.
Redefining Mobility
Baidu’s push into Europe represents more than a corporate expansion. It signals a shift in how nations perceive AI-powered mobility. The collaboration between Chinese and Swiss engineers reflects a shared commitment to safe, sustainable, and scalable transport technology.
The Apollo RT6’s design focuses on safety and efficiency. Its electric drivetrain reduces carbon emissions, while real-time data sharing enables predictive maintenance and route optimization. For passengers, the benefit is simple — a clean, quiet ride that feels futuristic yet practical.
If the Swiss trials succeed, Baidu’s AmiGo service positions itself as a central player in Europe’s urban transport network. From there, expansion into Germany, France, or the UK is a natural next step.
TF Summary: What’s Next
Baidu’s robotaxi rollout in Switzerland is the start of its newest autonomous mobility chapter. Europe’s high safety and environmental standards provide the perfect proving ground for AI-driven transport.
MY FORECAST: If successful, Baidu may accelerate a wave of autonomous fleet adoption, forcing Western competitors like Waymo and Uber to match its scale and performance. The Apollo Go’s quiet, steering wheel-free cars present a future where rides feel less like commuting — and more like gliding through innovation.
— Text-to-Speech (TTS) provided by gspeech
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