Driverless robotaxi trials have begun in Guangzhou, China. Didi Autonomous Driving has begun testing its robotaxi service in some areas of the city since December 1. Users can book a “driverless ride” through the Didi app.
The test area includes Guangzhou’s central districts, metro stations, schools, shopping malls, offices and residential buildings.
According to the report, the system selects vehicles based on factors such as pick-up and drop-off points, road conditions, distance and demand. When ordering a taxi, users are offered two options: a fully autonomous vehicle or a regular taxi call.
The city is reportedly investing more than 1 billion yuan in “smart infrastructure”. Companies that manufacture sensors and computing units installed along the roads can participate in government tenders. The same opportunities apply to manufacturers of 5G equipment and traffic light control systems. It is noted that in the next stage, more powerful road sensors and vehicle coordination will be required for night-time service.
