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In a significant move for the autonomous mobility industry, Chinese AI company Baidu has announced plans to launch its Apollo Go robotaxi service in Greater Zurich, Switzerland in 2026. This will mark the service's second operational market outside China, following its successful deployment in Dubai.

The decision to establish Baidu's European hub for autonomous mobility in the Greater Zurich region was driven by several factors. Switzerland's strong innovation drive, particularly in AI and sustainable technologies, attracted Baidu to the area. The region's position as a leading European center for AI research and application was another significant factor.

Switzerland's stability and neutrality also make it a secure entry point to Europe, according to Dr Yong Geßner, Head of Baidu Intelligent Driving Group Europe. Access to highly skilled talent, supported by world-class universities and global technology firms, was another decisive factor in Baidu's decision.

Interestingly, unlike in other robotaxi services, the planned deployment of Apollo Go in Greater Zurich will not take place in large urban centres. Instead, Baidu's autonomous vehicles will operate in rural areas of Switzerland, addressing long-standing mobility gaps and complementing existing public transport networks.

This approach reflects growing interest in applying autonomous mobility solutions to diverse geographic and social contexts. Baidu's aim is to expand access to mobility throughout the region, improving transportation for all residents of Greater Zurich.

The news was reported by NZZ, and the founder who is the chief of Baidu Intelligent Driving Group Europe is Matt Lei, who took office in 2021. Baidu's European hub will continue to be the company's first operational market in Europe.

This development is a promising step forward for the autonomous mobility industry and for Greater Zurich, which is set to become a pioneer in this exciting field.

[Image: A rendering of Baidu's Apollo Go robotaxi]

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N26's Co-Founder, Valentin Stalf, to Resign as CEO and Take Up a Position on the Supervisory Board