Baidu launches Apollo World model to train robotaxis in simulated environments

Baidu unveiled Apollo World on November 3, a world model that simulates interactive road environments to train and test autonomous vehicles, and said the system is already supporting Apollo Go's global robotaxi development. Apollo World generates up to 100,000 kilometers of simulated driving per day, producing real-time camera and lidar data while virtual vehicles and pedestrians respond to the autonomous vehicle's actions. Baidu said the model lets driving systems practice complete trips through changing traffic conditions and repeatedly test difficult scenarios, as robotaxi developers seek to cut the cost and time of adapting their technology to new markets.