The firm plans to deploy 10 fully autonomous vehicles in a technology park developed by the government, after it was granted a licence to commence a test service in December.

Baidu is often considering to be the Chinese equivalent of Google, offering online searches alongside a suite of other products and services.

The last five years has seen it increase its involvement in driverless technology as part of efforts to diversify its business model. This started in 2018 with the launch of a self-driving bus using its software.

The new Beijing service has received government approval to run in the Beijing suburb of Yizhuang, which is a corporate hub.

Public transport users will be able to book heavily subsidised rides through the company’s Apollo Go app.

Image credit: reuters

“Baidu’s success...