Baidu, PostBus to Launch Robotaxi Service in Switzerland
- tech360.tv
- 2m
- 2 min read
Baidu, the Chinese artificial intelligence giant, is partnering with Swiss public transport operator PostBus to introduce robotaxi services in the eastern region of Switzerland. The two organisations plan to begin testing their on-demand AmiGo service in eastern Switzerland by December, with a full commercial launch by the first quarter of 2027 at the latest.
The joint venture aims to enhance smart mobility, supplementing the existing public transport network. Baidu and PostBus, a subsidiary of national postal service Swiss Post, announced they would scale up trials next year.
AmiGo will deploy Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous vehicles. The proposed robotaxi coverage includes the cantons of St. Gallen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, and Appenzell Innerrhoden. Switzerland comprises 26 cantons, which are the member states of the Swiss Confederation.
Commuters in the designated areas will be able to book either private or shared autonomous rides through the AmiGo service. The platform will use Baidu’s sixth-generation autonomous vehicle, the RT6.
The RT6 leverages the Apollo Autonomous Driving Foundation Model, enabling the vehicle to navigate complex urban environments autonomously. Baidu has globally deployed a fully driverless fleet of more than 1,000 Apollo Go vehicles.
General Manager of Overseas Business at Baidu’s Intelligent Driving Group Zhang Liang stated, “We will work closely with PostBus to enhance smart mobility in Switzerland, supplementing the existing public transport network and contributing to the nation’s reputation for innovation.”
This PostBus partnership marks Baidu’s latest international expansion for its Apollo Go robotaxis. Apollo Go currently operates in more than 15 cities globally, including Hong Kong, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.
In mainland China, Apollo Go robotaxis operate in more than 10 major cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai. The collaboration in Switzerland follows other international ventures.
Earlier, Baidu partnered with US ride-hailing firm Lyft to launch robotaxis in Germany, and the UK as early as 2026, pending approval from local regulators. Previously, Baidu and American ride-hailing pioneer Uber Technologies agreed to a multi-year venture to deploy thousands of Apollo Go robotaxis in markets outside the US and China.
Other Chinese autonomous driving companies, including Pony.ai, Momenta, and WeRide, have formed similar alliances with Uber to deploy robotaxis in various international markets, especially across Europe and the Middle East.
Baidu and PostBus are launching an AmiGo robotaxi service in Switzerland.
Testing of the service is set to begin by Dec., with commercial operations by early 2027.
The service will deploy Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous vehicles, including the RT6 model.
Source: SCMP