Chinese ride-hailing firm DiDi has started trials of its second-generation robotaxi in parts of Beijing and Guangzhou.

The R2 robotaxi brings upgrades in driving performance and cabin experience, and is available for bookings in selected demonstration areas via the DiDi app.

Jointly developed by DiDi Autonomous Driving and GAC Aion (www.aion.com.cn), the vehicle is purpose-built for robotaxi services and designed for global deployment. Powered by DiDi’s level-four full-stack software and hardware, it is equipped with 33 sensors and a triple-domain fusion central computing platform to enhance perception accuracy and its ability to handle complex driving scenarios. It also meets five-star safety standards under C-NCap and Euro NCap and incorporates a multi-layer redundancy system.

The vehicle has more rear passenger space and features high-angle adjustable seats. Equipped with a 44cm ceiling-mounted screen with entertainment features, it has 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.

Before arriving at the pickup point, the vehicle will open its windows to ventilate the cabin. Additional features will be rolled out gradually, including an exterior interaction screen, options to pre-set cabin temperature and ambient lighting colour, as well as vehicle-locating features using the horn and voice prompts.

Safety and reliability underpin every upgrade to the rider experience. The R2 has undergone rigorous testing and validation. Since its delivery in January, the vehicle has been deployed for public-road testing in Guangzhou, Beijing, Shenzhen and other cities, demonstrating safe and stable operations.

DiDi Autonomous Driving (www.didiglobal.com/science/intelligent-driving) has developed its own full-stack level-four technologies and operates Huiju Port, its full-process robotaxi operations centre. Supported by its software and hardware capabilities and Huiju Port’s intelligent operations and maintenance system, DiDi robotaxis have maintained safe operations for more than 2200 consecutive days.