Autonomous driving firm Pony.ai said on Sunday it has received approval to operate fully driverless commercial Robotaxi services in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area, expanding its footprint in China’s top-tier cities.
The permit, announced at the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, allows Pony.ai to launch services in key Pudong districts including Jinqiao and Huamu, with further expansion planned.
The company said it is among the first to receive this type of permit in Shanghai, and now holds approvals to operate fully driverless commercial Robotaxis in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.
“This achievement demonstrates increasing regulatory trust and recognition in the Company’s technology and safety standards,” Pony.ai said in a statement.
Pudong is a major economic and innovation zone in Shanghai, home to financial institutions and technology hubs. The approved areas are located near Lujiazui, the city’s financial center.