Autonomy and agency

Baidu opens Apollo Go robotaxis to the public in central Cangzhou

Baidu opened its Apollo Go robotaxi service to the public across 55 pickup and drop-off points in central Cangzhou, including train stations, schools, hotels, museums, and industrial areas. Passengers could hail free rides through Baidu Maps while safety drivers remained in the vehicles.

CURRENT ASSESSMENT · REVISION 1
TOWARD DOOM31confidence 92/100

Why it moved the index

The launch expanded public-road robotaxi operation from Changsha into a second city and into denser central-city settings, materially increasing consequential physical autonomy exposure. In-vehicle safety drivers and fixed pickup points constrained autonomy.

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Assessment history

  1. R1
    Toward 31 · confidence 92

    New city-scale public autonomy deployment distinct from Baidu's April 2020 Changsha launch.

    11 Aug 2026