Autonomous driving startup Pony AI has launched robotaxi testing on select highways and expressways in Beijing without a safety officer in the driver’s seat.
The tests, which still require a safety officer in the front passenger seat, mark a significant step for Pony AI in advancing autonomous vehicle operations.
Pony AI is among the first companies to receive the necessary permits for these tests, which cover routes from Yizhuang to Daxing Airport and areas near Beijing South Railway Station.
The testing hours vary by location, ranging from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on some routes and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on others. The schedule allows the company to evaluate performance under diverse conditions, including rush hours, daytime peaks, and late-night driving.
The announcement follows a milestone for Pony AI’s self-driving truck fleet. The company revealed it had received approval for testing “following vehicles” in self-driving truck convoys without a safety officer in the driver’s seat. This development is expected to facilitate fully unmanned fleet operations and lower logistics costs.
In the first half of 2024, Pony AI reported that its fully unmanned robotaxis averaged over 15 daily orders per vehicle, showcasing the viability of its autonomous services.
Pony AI debuted on the Nasdaq on November 27, achieving the largest initial public offering (IPO) in the autonomous driving sector for 2024.
