– DiDi Autonomous Driving began fully driverless service trials with its next-generation Robotaxi R2. The milestone marks a new stage for R2, as the next-generation Robotaxi moves beyond technology validation into real-world mobility operations, demonstrating capabilities that could support the company’s planned testing in the United Arab Emirates and future global deployment.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, DiDi Autonomous Driving began round-the-clock fully driverless passenger testing in selected demonstration areas in Guangzhou and Beijing, with operations running safely and steadily since then. Building on this operational experience, R2, jointly developed by DiDi Autonomous Driving and GAC Aion, is a purpose-built Robotaxi designed for global deployment. It combines DiDi Autonomous Driving’s Level 4 full-stack software and hardware with a vehicle platform developed specifically for driverless passenger service, designed with safety, operating efficiency and in-cabin experience.
The next-generation Robotaxi R2 is equipped with 33 sensors, including LiDAR, cameras, 4D millimeter-wave radar, infrared cameras and audio sensors, providing comprehensive perception across a range of driving environments. Its triple-domain fusion central computing platform delivers more than 2,000 TOPS of GPU computing power and supports lower-latency decision-making in complex urban conditions. The vehicle platform also meets five-star safety standards in China and Europe (C-NCAP and Euro NCAP) and incorporates a multi-layer redundancy system.
Built around user needs, R2 maximizes rear passenger space and features high-angle adjustable seats. It is equipped with a 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted screen with entertainment features, as well as an AI voice interaction system that allows riders to complete PIN verification and start the trip, adjust the air conditioning, open the windows and control the ambient lighting through voice commands. These elements reflect DiDi Autonomous Driving’s view that a successful Robotaxi service combines advanced autonomous-driving capability with an intuitive and comfortable passenger experience.
The UAE will serve as DiDi Autonomous Driving’s first international market. In April 2026, at the China-UAE Business Promotion Event, the company confirmed that it is working with local partners to advance Robotaxi applications, with local testing and pilot initiatives planned within the year. The planned testing comes as the UAE continues to develop its regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles. In Dubai, the Autonomous Transportation Strategy aims to shift 25% of total transportation to autonomous mode by 2030, with taxis among its priority application sectors. DiDi Autonomous Driving has also joined Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster and established a strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to support innovative autonomous-driving applications, AI talent development and ecosystem building.
The launch arrives as autonomous mobility moves from vision to operational reality across the UAE. On 19 August 2026, the Government of Dubai Media Office reported that Robotaxi operations in Dubai had traveled more than four million kilometers of autonomous operation and completed 7,613 driverless passenger trips since launch, achieving a 97% customer satisfaction rate. The emirate’s Robotaxi fleet includes 144 vehicles, with 48 in active operation, and contributes to the 2030 target set out in the Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy.
For DiDi Autonomous Driving, the opportunity involves more than introducing a vehicle to a new market. The company aims to localize its technology, operating model and passenger experience with UAE partners, in line with the country’s smart-mobility priorities. The R2 milestone offers a foundation for that next phase by demonstrating how a purpose-built Robotaxi can serve passengers in complex urban environments through integrated vehicle engineering, AI capabilities and disciplined fleet operations. Through its international expansion, the company seeks to contribute proven autonomous-mobility expertise while supporting the development of a safe, intelligent and sustainable transport ecosystem in the UAE and other international markets.
