Shenzhen has taken a major step forward in intelligent urban mobility with the launch of its first Level 4 fully driverless Robobus public transportation line, operated in collaboration between autonomous driving company WeRide and Shenzhen Bus Group. The milestone project officially rolled out in the bustling Luohu District, one of the city’s busiest central business hubs, marking a new chapter in large-scale deployment of autonomous transit in China.
The new service connects Luohu Port—a key gateway between Shenzhen and Hong Kong—with the popular MixC market, covering a total distance of nearly 11 kilometers. The outbound route stretches 6.6 kilometers, while the return trip is 4.3 kilometers, with each journey lasting approximately 30 to 35 minutes. Commuters can conveniently book rides through the Shenzhen Bus Travel WeChat mini program, making access seamless for both locals and visitors. Along the route, passengers are treated to views of iconic city landmarks, including the Guomao Building, Di Wang Tower, the Shenzhen Grand Theater, and the bustling MixC commercial complex.
Advanced Technology for Urban Complexity
Unlike pilot projects often tested in low-traffic areas, the B888 Robobus operates directly within the dense, high-pressure traffic environment of Shenzhen’s central business district. Equipped with a suite of over 20 advanced sensors, including lidar, high-definition cameras, and radar, the bus provides full 360-degree perception with a range of up to 200 meters. This allows it to accurately read road markings, interpret complex traffic signs, and even recognize newly installed or partially obscured traffic lights.
The Robobus leverages predictive algorithms to anticipate the movements of cars, bicycles, and pedestrians, adjusting its speed, braking, and steering in real time. This ensures not only a smoother ride but also enhanced safety for passengers and other road users.
Safety and Passenger Experience
Safety has been a central priority in the design of the Robobus. The system incorporates multiple redundancies across all core functions—from perception sensors and computing units to the drive-by-wire chassis and control algorithms. In the unlikely event of a system failure, backup mechanisms are instantly activated to maintain safe operations.
Boarding and alighting have also been engineered with precision. When approaching a bus stop, the vehicle automatically shifts into curbside parking mode, aligning itself carefully to allow passengers to get on and off easily, while minimizing disruption to surrounding traffic.
A Milestone for Shenzhen
The launch of the autonomous line carries symbolic weight, coinciding with the 45th anniversary of Shenzhen’s establishment as China’s first Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Over four decades, Shenzhen has grown from a fishing village into one of the world’s leading innovation hubs. The introduction of the Robobus further strengthens its position at the forefront of smart city development and next-generation mobility solutions.
For WeRide and Shenzhen Bus Group, the project demonstrates the readiness of autonomous driving technology for real-world deployment on a public scale. For the city, it represents not just a new mode of transportation, but a vision of urban mobility where efficiency, sustainability, and safety converge.
With the B888 Robobus now navigating Luohu’s busy streets, Shenzhen has signaled its determination to shape the future of public transportation—where self-driving technology is no longer experimental, but a trusted part of everyday life.
