Technology · 2026-10-15 · Morning briefing
Baidu to offer free robotaxi rides in Hong Kong public trial
Chinese technology giant Baidu is launching Hong Kong’s first large-scale public trial of autonomous vehicles. Its robotaxi platform, Apollo, will offer free rides to more than 1,000 residents in the Tung Chung district for two weeks, running from October 21st to November 3rd. The initiative is designed to gather public feedback on the driverless experience.
Iris Wong Man-hei, a senior manager for Baidu's intelligent driving group, described the trial as a 'milestone' for the city’s autonomous driving sector. According to Wong, the public test rides are intended to show residents and the wider public 'the latest achievements of our autonomous driving technology and our high safety standards'. The trial represents a key step for Baidu in a major new market, as it seeks to build public confidence in its systems.
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