The Deep Dive
Baidu's AmiGo service has secured a Level 4 robotaxi permit in Switzerland, marking a significant milestone in the company's push into European markets. The permit, granted by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO), allows AmiGo to operate as an on-demand autonomous mobility service in partnership with Swiss Post's PostBus. This development has significant implications for the autonomous driving industry, particularly in the context of supply chain dynamics and geopolitical factors.
The permit covers a service area of 80 km² across three cantons: St. Gallen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, and Appenzell Innerrhoden. AmiGo vehicles are fully electric and equipped with more than 30 sensors, highlighting the company's commitment to sustainable and advanced technology. Testing began on June 1, 2026, followed by a closed-group user trial phase. Initial rides without safety operators will commence once safety evidence is fully validated, with regular operations targeted for 2027 using Apollo Go's RT6 robotaxi.
The RT6 is fully electric, carries up to three passengers, and features a removable steering wheel designed for future fully autonomous operations.
Audit & Clarifications
While the permit is a significant achievement for Baidu, there are areas requiring further clarification. The report states that AmiGo's vehicles meet Switzerland's safety and quality requirements but emphasizes that the permit outlines a phased rollout rather than immediate authorization for driverless operations. This aligns with the step-by-step framework described in the approval process.
The report notes Baidu's progress in China but does not provide comparative data regarding its position relative to Waymo and Tesla in Europe. Waymo has launched commercial services in London and Tokyo, while Tesla is expanding FSD (Supervised) across Europe. Baidu's European deployment timeline remains distinct from these competitors.
The report also clarifies that the steering wheel will be removed in future iterations of the RT6 as the service transitions to full autonomy, consistent with Baidu's long-term hardware strategy.
Future Outlook
The approval of AmiGo's Level 4 robotaxi permit in Switzerland marks a pivotal moment for Baidu's European expansion. As the autonomous driving industry evolves, the company's focus on sustainable technology and phased deployment will be critical to its success. Continued monitoring of safety protocols and regulatory compliance will be essential in the coming months.