Baidu's fully autonomous driving system begins testing in Hong Kong

Baidu's autonomous driving subsidiary, Apollo, will begin fully driverless testing of its "Luobo Kuaipao" system on Hong Kong's airport island starting July 27. The Hong Kong Transport Department has granted the company the first permit for such testing, allowing vehicles to operate without a safety driver on board. This initiative is globally significant as it represents the first instance of fully autonomous public road testing within a right-hand drive and left-hand traffic system.

The Transport Department had previously approved test routes on the airport island, where remote operators have been monitoring the vehicles alongside backup drivers. According to the department, these remote operation tests have met safety, stability, accuracy, and smoothness requirements without any abnormalities. Based on satisfactory performance, the department has now approved driverless testing on the island.

Further testing will also incorporate remote backup operators for vehicles in Tung Chung and Sunny Bay, in addition to onboard backup drivers. Hong Kong's Commissioner for Transport, Xie Wing-yee, stated that this step is crucial for advancing the city's goals for autonomous vehicles, including scaling and commercialization.

The permit, initially announced in November 2024, is the first pilot license for autonomous vehicles issued in Hong Kong. Baidu has indicated that obtaining this license in a right-hand drive, left-hand traffic region is a key element in "Luobo Kuaipao's" global expansion strategy.