Although automakers often show autonomous concept vehicles that can drive without a steering wheel, steering is not yet out of the question. But Chinese giant Baidu may be very close to making such a tool available in the real world. The company introduced its new robotaxis called Apollo RT6, and the steering wheel of this vehicle can be removed. This option allows passenger transport services to offer more room for passengers and includes additional seats, desks and even game consoles.
Unsurprisingly, the RT6 includes Baidu’s latest autonomous driving technology. The Level 4 system (which is fully self-driving under certain conditions) includes a total of 38 sensors, including eight LiDAR units and 12 cameras, touring city roads. While the company hasn’t said what the range of the all-electric design will be, its flat floor, sliding doors and “interactive” lights will make your journey more enjoyable.
But perhaps the most important point is that this vehicle is ready for production. The vehicle will be available to businesses in China for the equivalent of $37,000 and is scheduled to launch first with Baidu’s own Apollo Go service in 2023.
The vehicle’s relatively modest price will allow the company to deliver “tens of thousands” of vehicles across China, and the company envisions a future where robotaxis fares will be less than half of traditional derivatives. Although this is not very good news for taxi drivers, it indicates that driverless vehicle passenger transport services will be widely spread across the country soon.
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