Baidu launches Apollo Go robotaxi trials in London

Chinese technology firm Baidu, through its Apollo Go autonomous driving platform, has begun road testing sixth‑generation robotaxis (model RT6) in the Brent district of London. The trials are run in partnership with Freenow, a ride‑hailing service owned by Lyft, and feature safety operators on board each vehicle. The program is part of a strategic partnership agreed in 2025, with the aim of offering a public robotaxi service by 2027 pending regulatory approval. Baidu’s Apollo Go service already operates in 27 cities worldwide and has logged over 330 million autonomous kilometres.

The rollout has prompted calls for a regulatory shift in London. Critics argue that the Department for Transport’s current authority over automated‑vehicle authorisation should be transferred to Transport for London, which already licenses taxis and private hire services. They say TfL should oversee operational standards, data‑sharing, and safety for autonomous passenger services to ensure they integrate smoothly with the capital’s complex transport network.