Pony.ai permitted for unmanned Robotaxi service in Shanghai

Beijing (Gasgoo)- On July 4, at the 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), autonomous driving solution provider Pony.ai announced it had received one of Shanghai’s first permits for the demonstration of driverless intelligent connected vehicles.

Photo credit: Pony.ai

The permit allows passengers in Shanghai's Pudong district to book unmanned Robotaxi rides via the "Pony.ai" mobile app across a 205-kilometer route.

This achievement follows Pony.ai's similar unmanned operation permits in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, marking another significant milestone in its commercial expansion. Now, Pony.ai's fully autonomous passenger services cover China’s top four megacities.

During the WAIC, Pony.ai showcased its sixth-generation Robotaxi based on the Toyota Sienna. Concurrently, the company offered the public an opportunity to experience the unmanned Robotaxi services.

Shanghai, the first Chinese city to implement autonomous driving test policies, has been gradually opening areas like Jiading and Jinqiao for autonomous vehicle testing, aiming to build a smart mobility ecosystem. In this context, Pony.ai has been continuously expanding its service area to benefit more residents. In May 2023, Pony.ai partnered with Jinjiang Taxi to launch a pilot smart taxi service in Jiading district. By July 2023, it had obtained its first permit for driverless vehicle testing in Pudong district.