Apollo AI-Powered Autonomous Driving

This analysis compares Baidu's Apollo and Alphabet's Waymo robotaxi services based on firsthand passenger experiences and publicly available information. Apollo provides robotaxi service in Wuhan with 5th and 6th Generation electric vehicles, while Waymo operates in San Francisco using 5th Generation Jaguar I-Pace vehicles. Apollo vehicles use remote driving where a remote operator located in Baidu's support center physically steers, brakes, and accelerates the vehicle when the ADS needs assistance. Waymo's system uses remote assistance where a remote assistant provides advice or assistance but does not directly control the vehicle. Both companies classify their systems as Level 4 driving automation under SAE standards. Apollo operates 24/7 across large parts of Wuhan including freeways, while Waymo serves large parts of San Francisco including the central business district but not yet freeways or airports. The comparison highlights differences in hardware design, operational design domains, remote assistance philosophy, and user experience. Apollo's 6th Generation vehicles seat one person in front and two in back with sliding doors and covered steering wheels, while Waymo's 5th Generation seats one in front and three in back with swinging doors and exposed steering wheels. Waymo vehicles appeared more ubiquitous in San Francisco's key areas, with multiple vehicles frequently observed traveling in proximity to each other.