Uber, Baidu Team Up to Launch Autonomous Rides Globally

Uber and Chinese tech giant Baidu have formed a multi-year strategic partnership to deploy Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous vehicles across global markets outside the United States and China. The collaboration will begin with launches later this year in select cities across Asia and the Middle East, offering Uber users the option to ride in Apollo Go self-driving vehicles when requesting eligible trips.

This partnership marks a significant step in Uber’s global push into autonomous mobility. It aims to boost the supply of affordable, reliable rides by integrating Baidu’s advanced AV technology into Uber’s extensive rideshare network. Baidu’s Apollo Go program currently operates over 1,000 autonomous vehicles across 15 cities, including in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and has provided more than 11 million public rides as of May 2025.

Robin Li, co-founder and CEO of Baidu, said the partnership is a milestone in the company’s mission to bring autonomous driving to a global audience. “We are committed to bringing the benefit of autonomous driving technology to more people in more markets, and this partnership with Uber represents a major milestone,” he said. “We look forward to working with Uber to deliver safe and efficient autonomous mobility solutions to riders around the world.”

The agreement builds on Uber’s growing portfolio of autonomous vehicle partners. In May, the company announced new collaborations with China-based Pony.ai and WeRide, and also expanded a multi-year deal with U.S.-based May Mobility to bring thousands of AVs onto its platform domestically.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the alliance with Baidu reflects the company’s broader strategy to lead in the future of mobility. “This partnership brings together two of the world’s most iconic technology companies,” he said. “As the world’s largest platform for mobility, delivery, and freight, Uber is uniquely positioned to help AV leaders like Baidu bring their autonomous technology to the world.”

The upcoming launch of Apollo Go vehicles on the Uber platform signals a new chapter in the deployment of driverless rides at scale. As consumer demand grows for efficient, contactless transport and cities invest in smart mobility solutions, the partnership is expected to accelerate the integration of autonomous driving into everyday urban travel.

With thousands of Baidu’s AVs slated for deployment, the initiative could help Uber address supply constraints, lower operating costs, and expand service into new regions. For Baidu, the partnership offers a global path to scale Apollo Go beyond its core markets and showcase its capabilities on the international stage.

As both companies move toward a shared vision of autonomous mobility, their collaboration could help shape the next era of ride-hailing—one where advanced AI vehicles operate seamlessly within traditional rideshare platforms around the world.

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Uber, Baidu Team Up to Launch Autonomous Rides Globally

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