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Baidu's Apollo self-governing lorries granted licence to test in Hong Kong

China's Baidu has got the licence to check self-governing vehicles with its Apollo robotaxi service in Hong Kong as it broadens its footprint outside Chinese mainland.

Baidu Apollo International Ltd was approved to carry out trials for 10 self-governing lorry in North Lantau, according to a. declaration released by Hong Kong's Transport Department on. Friday.

The license will stand from Dec. 9, 2024 to Dec. 8, 2029,. with just one self-driving car operating on specified roadway. areas at a time in its very first phase, according to the. declaration.

Throughout the trial, a backup operator stationed on board shall. take control of control of the lorry if needed, it added.

The Hong Kong government has because at least 2017 actively. promoted self-governing cars, but has only recently enabled. wider trials of self-governing lorries including on public roads. following the rollout of a new regulatory legislation in March. this year.

This is the very first pilot licence offered by the Hong Kong. government because the introduction of the brand-new regulatory routine.

It likewise marked Baidu's first recognized authorization for autonomous. lorry screening outside mainland China.

The company's robotaxi service Apollo Go is operating in. several Chinese cities, with the biggest fleet of more than 400. automobiles in main China's Wuhan city.

As competitors to commercialize autonomous cars heats. up, Baidu prepares to launch its robotaxi service outside mainland. China, including Hong Kong, Singapore and the Middle East, the. Wall Street Journal reported last month.

(source: Reuters)