Pony AI Inc. said it has received a permit to operate fully driverless commercial robotaxi services in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area, an approval announced during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2025. The green light allows the company to charge fares for rides without safety drivers on board. The authorisation makes Pony AI the only operator licensed to run driverless robotaxis in all four of China’s tier-one cities—Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen—solidifying its lead in the country’s autonomous-mobility race. Service will start in the Jinqiao and Huamu business districts before widening to other parts of Pudong. Pudong’s designated operating zone spans almost 1,400 square kilometres and houses more than five million residents; the Huamu district lies less than three kilometres from the Lujiazui financial hub, giving Pony AI access to a dense pool of potential premium customers. Pony AI’s U.S.-listed shares rose about 6% in pre-market trading on 28 July after the permit was disclosed. The move comes amid accelerating competition: rival WeRide, in partnership with automaker Chery, also obtained a Shanghai robotaxi permit this week.