In a significant step forward for the development of autonomous vehicle technology, Pony Ai, a leading Chinese self-driving startup, has been granted permission to launch driverless robotaxi services in the southern city of Guangzhou.
The news was announced on Monday by the Guangzhou Municipal Transportation Bureau, which said it had issued the permit after conducting extensive tests and evaluations of Pony Ai’s autonomous driving system.
With the new permit, Pony Ai becomes the first company to offer fully autonomous ride-hailing services in Guangzhou, one of China’s most populous cities and a significant technology and innovation center.
According to Pony Ai, the new robotaxi service will initially operate in a limited area of Guangzhou but will gradually expand to cover more parts of the city. The company also said it plans to deploy 100 driverless vehicles in Guangzhou by the end of the year.
The launch of Pony Ai’s driverless robotaxi service marks a significant milestone for the company, which has been developing autonomous driving technology for several years. The company has previously operated autonomous vehicles in several Chinese cities, but this is the first time it has been granted permission to offer fully driverless services.
Pony Ai’s autonomous driving system uses sensors, cameras, and advanced algorithms to navigate city streets and highways. The company has conducted extensive testing of its technology in various weather and traffic conditions and says it has achieved high reliability and safety.
The company’s founder and CEO, James Peng, said the new permit is “a significant milestone for the autonomous driving industry in China and worldwide.”
“We are excited to bring our technology to Guangzhou and offer safe, reliable, and convenient transportation services to the people of this great city,” Peng added.
The launch of Pony Ai’s robotaxi service comes as China’s government has been pushing for the development of autonomous driving technology to upgrade the country’s transportation infrastructure and reduce congestion and pollution.
With the new permit, Pony Ai is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend and become a significant player in China’s fast-growing autonomous vehicle market and beyond.
