DiDi Autonomous Driving Begins Fully Driverless Trials of Next-Generation Robotaxi R2

DiDi Autonomous Driving has begun fully driverless service trials of its next-generation Robotaxi R2, marking another step in the development of autonomous mobility. The vehicle is currently available for bookings through the DiDi App in selected demonstration areas in Beijing and Guangzhou.

Jointly developed by DiDi Autonomous Driving and GAC Aion, the R2 has been designed specifically for Robotaxi services and is intended for global deployment. The new vehicle features upgrades to both autonomous driving performance and the passenger experience.

The R2 is powered by DiDi Autonomous Driving's Level 4 full-stack software and hardware. It is equipped with 33 sensors and a triple-domain fusion central computing platform, designed to improve perception accuracy and enable the vehicle to manage complex driving situations.

Safety is a central component of the vehicle's design. The R2 meets five-star safety standards under both C-NCAP and Euro NCAP and incorporates a multi-layer redundancy system. The vehicle has also undergone extensive testing and validation on public roads.

Since being delivered in January, the R2 has participated in public-road testing in Guangzhou, Beijing, Shenzhen and other cities. According to DiDi Autonomous Driving, these trials have demonstrated stable operations ahead of the fully driverless service phase.

Enhanced Passenger Experience

Alongside improvements to autonomous driving capabilities, the R2 has been designed to provide passengers with a more comfortable and interactive cabin experience.

The vehicle maximises rear passenger space and features high-angle adjustable seats. It also includes a 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted screen with entertainment functions and an AI voice interaction system.

Passengers can use voice commands to complete PIN verification and start their journey, adjust the air conditioning, open the windows and control the cabin's ambient lighting.

The vehicle is also programmed to ventilate the cabin by opening its windows before arriving at the designated pickup point. DiDi plans to introduce additional features progressively, including an exterior interaction screen, options for presetting cabin temperature and ambient lighting, and vehicle-location functions using the horn and voice prompts.

Moving Toward Scalable Autonomous Mobility

The introduction of fully driverless trials represents a significant development in DiDi Autonomous Driving's efforts to commercialise Robotaxi services. By combining autonomous driving technology with purpose-built vehicle design and passenger-focused features, the company is seeking to expand the role of driverless mobility in urban transportation.

As the R2 enters service trials, DiDi Autonomous Driving said it will continue testing and refining its Robotaxi technology while focusing on safety, reliability and passenger needs.

The company aims to further develop autonomous mobility solutions that can provide users with safer, intelligent and convenient transportation experiences.