Baidu launches its self-driving platform Apollo 2.0

Chinese search giant Baidu unveiled the version 2.0 of its autonomous driving platform called the Apollo 2.0 at the CES'18. The Apollo 1.0 version was conceived as an open source framework that developers could use to push its self-driving technology forward.

The Apollo 2.0 boasts added security and more robust positioning, control and cloud simulation capabilities. The latest build of Apollo is also the first time that all four of the platform's primary modules -- cloud services, software, reference hardware and vehicle platforms -- have been leveraged to work together. Through these, Apollo 2.0 is now capable of autonomously guiding a vehicle through basic urban environments, even at night.

Sebastian Thrun, founder, and president of Udacity said, "We are extremely proud and delighted to work with Baidu on Apollo 2.0. Not just on the technology and growing better and better algorithms, but on the people side." Jingao Wang, Senior Director at Baidu said, "Releasing Apollo 2.0 feels like a moment in history, but what we are more excited about is the possibility that Apollo 2.0 brings to the community." He claimed that Apollo 2.0 is the best ever Apollo released.

New mapping partners will help Apollo literally cover more ground, and increase its appeal to international autonomous technology partners and suppliers. Another huge update for Apollo 2.0 is that it will allow Apollo 1.0 users to drive autonomously on some simple city roads.