China's Baidu launches AI model simulating road environment for robotaxis. Published on 11/03/2026 at 07:40 am EST - Modified on 11/03/2026 at 07:45 am EST BEIJING, Nov 3 (Reuters) - China's Baidu launched Apollo World on Tuesday, an AI system designed to simulate real-world environments for training robotaxis and predict how they evolve, as automakers race to cut the cost of developing autonomous vehicles. Apollo World can generate "up to 100,000 km" (62,000 miles) of simulated driving daily, equivalent to about three years of real-world testing by a safety-driver-equipped autonomous vehicle, Baidu said. The system is capable of producing real-time multimodal data streams, such as camera and lidar observations, enabling self-driving systems to directly sense and navigate simulated environments. Baidu said Apollo World is already being used for training Apollo Go's robotaxi fleet to be operated globally. Baidu-owned Apollo Go is China's largest robotaxi service operator and competes with rivals such as WeRide, Pony.ai and Momenta Global. Volkswagen's Chinese partner XPeng also plans to launch robotaxi operations in 2027. Morgan Stanley has estimated China's robotaxi fleet could grow to 1 million vehicles by 2035. TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT IS EXPENSIVE Chinese robotaxi firms have largely pursued asset-light expansion strategies, supplying autonomous-driving technology and partnering with automakers, ride-hailing platforms and local fleet operators overseas rather than bearing the full cost of owning and operating fleets. But developing the technology itself remains expensive. "They still have the capex of training models... and vehicles, a challenge that every autonomous vehicle company is going to face," said Frank McCleary, an expert in autonomous mobility and urban transportation at management consulting firm Arthur D. Little. "The speed at which you can launch comes down to your technology's ability to adapt and understand and learn (how to drive in) that environment," he said, adding AI has helped accelerate advances in autonomous driving. Tesla, which is seeking to expand its Cybercab robotaxi fleet, uses an "end-to-end neural network" trained on video of human driving to develop its self-driving technology. (Reporting by Qiaoyi Li, Zhang Yan and Kevin Krolicki; Editing by Miyoung Kim and Susan Fenton) (C) Reuters - 2026

inDrive plans 2027 robotaxi trials in central asia collaborating with Pony AI and Nvidia. October 23, 2026 3 min. read Summary of the announcement. The ride-hailing platform inDrive is set to collaborate with Pony.ai, a Chinese company specializing in autonomous vehicles, along with Nvidia, to commence trials of robotaxis in Kazakhstan by 2027. This strategic partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding aimed at integrating Pony.ai's robotaxi technology into inDrive's existing service framework. The anticipated testing phase is slated to kick off in Astana, Kazakhstan's capital, within the initial six months of 2027. Initially, these trials will include a safety operator, with a progression toward achieving fully autonomous rides. Pony.ai plans to deploy its Gen-7 robotaxis, which will be made available to users via inDrive's app in Kazakhstan. As part of this venture, Nvidia will provide crucial AI technology, leveraging its Hyperion platform and Halos safety system. This announcement aligns with rising international interest in self-driving technology beyond traditional markets like the U.S. and China, with competitors like Uber also entering the autonomous vehicle space, highlighting a growing trend within the industry. Why it matters. This development underscores a significant shift within the global tech landscape, particularly in the realm of autonomous transportation. By exploring robotaxis in emerging markets such as Kazakhstan, inDrive is strategically positioning itself in a race toward cost-effective and accessible autonomous solutions in regions where conventional ride-hailing may already be relatively affordable. The collaboration brings together established expertise from autonomous driving and AI technology, potentially lowering operational costs and enhancing the customer experience in the ride-hailing sector. Additionally, the testing of robotaxis in Kazakhstan - with its harsh winter conditions - provides a unique opportunity to refine autonomous systems that could later operate successfully in similar climates elsewhere. This could lead to pivotal advancements in how self-driving technology adapts to diverse environmental challenges, reinforcing the importance of geographical considerations in the technological rollout of autonomous driving solutions. Impact on residents, businesses, or visitors. The introduction of robotaxis through inDrive in Kazakhstan represents a transformative shift in transportation accessibility for residents, tourists, and local businesses alike. With the promise of affordable and efficient autonomous rides, day-to-day commuting could become significantly more convenient, reducing reliance on traditional taxi services and enhancing mobility options for all stakeholders. Furthermore, the presence of autonomous vehicles is set to influence local businesses involved in transportation, creating new operational dynamics and potentially leading to an evolution in service standards. For tourists, enhanced digital access to revolutionary transport options can enrich their travel experience, making navigation easier and more cost-effective while in Kazakhstan. Municipality affected. The initial test site for these autonomous robotaxis will be Astana, Kazakhstan's capital, which is characterized by harsh winter weather that presents unique challenges for autonomous vehicle technology. With a population of approximately 1.7 million, Astana is poised to serve as a critical testing ground that could yield insights applicable to other cities with similar climatic conditions, impacting transportation systems archipelago-wide. Related projects or previous developments. This venture follows an announcement made in Kazakhstan about plans to launch autonomous taxi services in 2027, with tests planned across Astana and two additional cities. Additionally, inDrive has been proactive in its exploration of robotaxi technologies in various markets, recently signing an agreement in Saudi Arabia to implement autonomous vehicles through a partnership with AI Driver. This approach ensures that inDrive remains at the forefront of innovation in the autonomous transportation sector. Internal links. [placeholder_internal_links] SEO Title and metadata. SEO Title: inDrive Collaborates for Robotaxi Testing in Kazakhstan Meta Description: inDrive partners with Pony.ai and Nvidia for robotaxi trials in Kazakhstan, enhancing ride-hailing services. Discover the implications for local transport!