- Didi launches driverless passenger trials for Robotaxi R2 in Beijing and Guangzhou.
- R2 is a mass-produced Aion V–based L4 robotaxi with 33 sensors and >2,000 TOPS compute.
- UAE set as Didi Autonomous Driving’s first overseas pilot with 2026 local tests planned.
Recently, Didi Autonomous Driving launched driverless passenger testing for its next-generation Robotaxi R2; users can now hail rides in selected demonstration zones in Beijing, Guangzhou.
The R2 is based on the Aion V, jointly developed by GAC Aion and Didi Autonomous Driving. In January, the model completed mass production and delivery at the GAC Aion plant; subsequent road tests followed in Guangzhou, Beijing, Shenzhen.
Built specifically for commercial Robotaxi operations, the R2 packs Didi’s full-stack L4 software and hardware solution; carries 33 sensors, a tri-domain fusion computing platform; GPU power exceeds 2,000 TOPS.
The cabin is redesigned for Robotaxi scenarios. R2 further expands rear passenger space; features a 17.3-inch roof-mounted screen, AI voice interaction system. Passengers use voice commands for identity verification, trip activation, climate control, window operation.
Notably, R2 targets markets beyond China. The UAE will become Didi Autonomous Driving’s first overseas market.
On April 13, at the China-UAE Business Promotion Conference, Didi co-founder and Didi Autonomous Driving CEO Zhang Bo said the UAE is the first stop for Didi’s international expansion. The company is pushing Robotaxi applications with local partners; tests and pilots are planned there in 2026.
As early as last November, Didi Autonomous Driving signed a strategic cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO); joined the SAVI cluster. Both sides plan cooperation around autonomous driving technology application, AI talent development, and industrial ecosystem building.
The UAE is becoming a key testing ground for global autonomous driving companies. In August, Dubai proposed shifting 25% of transportation trips to autonomous driving by 2030; Robotaxi is a key application scenario. Local Robotaxi operations continue to expand.
For Didi Autonomous Driving, the UAE is the first stop for Robotaxi R2 heading to broader international markets.
Discover more from ChinaEVHome
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
