Baidu and Lyft Launch Robotaxi Trials in London Suburbs

WHO:

Techmeme - Baidu, Lyft, and Freenow are involved in the robotaxi trials.

Engadget - Baidu is a Chinese tech giant.

WHAT:

Techmeme - Baidu has begun testing its purpose-built Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis.

TechCrunch - Baidu's Apollo Go autonomous vehicles will be available on Freenow.

WHERE:

Techmeme - The testing is taking place in outer London.

WHEN:

TechCrunch - Lyft acquired Freenow in 2025.

WHY:

Engadget - Baidu is testing its robotaxis in London as part of a promise made last year.

HOW:

Techmeme - The robotaxis are being tested with human safety operators.

(UPDATED July 28, 2026 10:52 UTC)

Baidu has begun testing its purpose-built Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis in outer London, with human safety operators on board to ensure safety during the trials. The autonomous vehicles will also be available on Freenow, a service that Lyft acquired in 2025. This initiative is part of a promise made by Baidu last year to advance its robotaxi technology.