Partnership will see Baidu’s self-developed RT6 robotaxi deployed in other markets around the world.

Chinese tech giant Baidu has announced a multi-year partnership with Uber to deploy its Apollo Go autonomous vehicles on the ride-hailing platform in multiple international markets.

The collaboration will see thousands of Baidu’s sixth-generation robotaxis made available to Uber users outside the US and mainland China, with initial deployments expected in Asia and the Middle East later this year.

Once operational, Uber passengers in select regions will have the option to book fully driverless rides via the Apollo Go fleet.

The move aims to integrate Baidu’s autonomous driving technology into Uber’s global network, providing what the companies describe as a more affordable and reliable mobility solution.

Baidu’s co-founder, chairman, and CEO Robin Li stated that the partnership marks a “major milestone” in the company’s efforts to expand its autonomous driving technology internationally, saying: “We are committed to bringing the benefit of autonomous driving technology to more people in more markets.”

Baidu is the latest Chinese autonomous driving developer to collaborate with Uber. In September 2024, WeRide entered a similar agreement with the ride-hailing firm, followed by an expansion announcement in May 2026 targeting 15 additional cities across Europe and the Middle East within five years.

Pony AI also revealed a strategic partnership with Uber on 6 May, with plans to launch robotaxi services in the Middle East later this year.

Baidu, which began developing autonomous driving technology in 2013, has steadily expanded its Apollo Go service. According to its Q1 2026 earnings report, Apollo Go has completed over 11 million rides across 15 Chinese cities.

The company’s global robotaxi fleet now exceeds 1,000 vehicles, reinforcing its position as a leading player in autonomous ride-hailing.

Baidu has actively pursued overseas deployment of Apollo Go, launching services in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in March.

Road validation tests commenced in Dubai in May, while Hong Kong became its first right-hand drive market after receiving approval for open-road passenger testing in April.

Additionally, reports suggest Baidu plans to introduce Apollo Go in Switzerland and establish a local entity there in the coming months.

The partnership with Uber accelerates Baidu’s global ambitions, positioning it alongside other Chinese firms seeking to commercialise autonomous driving technology abroad.

As regulatory frameworks evolve, the collaboration could pave the way for wider adoption of robotaxis in key international markets.

For now, the focus remains on initial deployments in Asia and the Middle East, with further expansions likely as the technology matures and regulatory approvals are secured.