Baidu to Bring Robotaxis Without Steering Wheels to Switzerland

Core Insights - Baidu Inc. and a Swiss Post subsidiary will begin autonomous vehicle testing in Switzerland by the end of this year, aiming to launch the world's first robotaxis without steering wheels to the public by 2027 [1][2] Group 1: Testing and Operations - Initial trials with safety personnel will commence, followed by driverless testing starting in late 2026, with regular operations expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027 at the latest [2] - The fleet will consist of the RT6, the latest generation of Apollo Go vehicles, featuring voice controls and massage functions for reclining seats, with the steering wheel removed once the service is fully operational [3] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Competitors like Amazon's Zoox and Tesla are also developing vehicles without steering wheels, with Zoox's robotaxi designed as a shuttle and Tesla's Cybercab lacking both steering wheel and pedals [4] Group 3: Global Expansion - Baidu's entry into Switzerland is part of its broader global expansion strategy, including a partnership with Lyft to deploy vehicles in the UK and Germany by 2026, pending regulatory approval [5] - The company has received 50 licenses to test robotaxis in Dubai and is exploring markets in Australia and Southeast Asia [5]