China's Baidu begins robotaxi trials in Switzerland

Chinese internet and artificial intelligence (AI) giant Baidu is taking concrete steps to bring its driverless taxi (robotaxi) service, Apollo Go, to Europe. The company has confirmed that it will begin testing self-driving cars in the country in December this year in partnership with Swiss public transport operator PostBus (PostAuto). Initial fleet tests under the partnership will begin in three cantons in eastern Switzerland. The trials will use RT6 electric robo-taxis, specially designed without a steering wheel. Baidu expects customers to be able to book regular robo-taxis services via an app by the first quarter of 2027 at the latest. The deal accelerates the race for Chinese companies to expand their autonomous transport technologies to overseas markets. Baidu previously announced plans to launch robo-taxis services in Germany and the UK in 2026 as part of a partnership with the Lyft platform. Switzerland's open stance towards innovation makes the country a prime entry point for Chinese tech giants into the European market.