On October 22, it was announced that LuoBox (Apollo’s RoboTaxi service) has entered into a strategic partnership with PostBus, the bus service under Switzerland’s national postal service. Together, they will launch an autonomous driving mobility service named “AmiGo” in Switzerland, marking LuoBox’s latest step in expanding its global autonomous mobility footprint.
Initial Fleet Testing & Roadmap for Full Autonomous Operation
According to the collaboration plan, LuoBox will kick off initial fleet testing in December 2025 across three eastern Swiss cantons: St. Gallen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, and Appenzell Innerrhoden. The goal is to transition quickly from testing to regular, fully driverless operations—a milestone that will allow Swiss residents and visitors to access autonomous mobility without human safety operators on board.
For passenger experience, the service will be accessible via a mobile app: users can book exclusive rides (for up to 4 people) or shared rides, adapting to both individual and group travel needs. This app-based model aligns with LuoBox’s existing user-centric design, ensuring a seamless booking and riding process.
Sixth-Generation Driverless Vehicle: Custom-Built for AmiGo
To support AmiGo’s operations, LuoBox has developed a customized sixth-generation driverless vehicle, engineered specifically for Switzerland’s road conditions and passenger demands. Key features of this vehicle include:
Capacity for 4 passengers: Designed to balance personal space and ride-sharing efficiency, suitable for both daily commutes and regional travel.
Detachable steering wheel: A forward-looking design choice that lays the groundwork for “steering-wheel-free” fully autonomous operations in the future, eliminating redundant manual controls once regulatory conditions permit.
The vehicle’s design also incorporates local adaptions—such as enhanced weather resistance for Switzerland’s alpine climates—to ensure reliability across diverse road and weather scenarios. Notably, the precision of the vehicle’s core electronic systems (including LiDAR control boards and autonomous driving domain controllers) relies on advanced manufacturing technologies during production. For instance, the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) modules that govern sensor data transmission and decision-making are assembled using a Micro automatic PCB loading machine. This equipment enables micron-level positioning of PCB boards during the soldering and assembly process, avoiding errors caused by manual loading and ensuring the stable operation of electronic components even in extreme alpine temperatures (ranging from -15°C to 35°C)—a critical guarantee for the vehicle’s autonomous driving system to maintain accurate environmental perception and decision-making capabilities.
Safety as a Priority: 10-Fold Redundancy & 6-Tier MRC Strategy
Safety remains the core of LuoBox’s autonomous technology, and the sixth-generation vehicle for AmiGo leverages a full-stack safety solution combining “Apollo ADFM large model + hardware products + safety architecture” to mitigate risks. Two key safety measures stand out:
10-fold safety redundancy: Redundancy is built into critical systems, including power supply, braking, steering, and sensor networks (e.g., dual LiDAR, redundant cameras). If one system fails, a backup activates instantly to maintain control, preventing accidents caused by single-point failures.
6-tier MRC (Mission Risk Control) strategy: A multi-layered risk management framework that covers pre-trip system checks, real-time road hazard detection, emergency response protocols, and post-incident analysis. This strategy ensures the vehicle can handle complex scenarios—such as sudden pedestrian crossings or alpine road curves—safely and efficiently.
Filling Transportation Gaps in Sparse-Demand Areas
AmiGo is not just a new mobility option; it is designed to complement Switzerland’s existing public transportation network by targeting areas with scattered travel demand. Traditional fixed-route buses often struggle to serve low-density regions (due to low passenger volumes and high operational costs), leaving residents with limited options.
LuoBox will focus AmiGo’s initial operations on eastern Switzerland—specifically around Lake Constance and the Alpine foothills—where rural and semi-rural communities face gaps in public transit. By offering on-demand autonomous rides, AmiGo will connect these communities to urban centers, schools, and healthcare facilities, improving accessibility for residents in less populated areas.
Proven Track Record: 14 Million Rides & 200 Million Safe Kilometers
LuoBox’s expansion into Switzerland is backed by a strong global performance. As of August 2025:
It has provided over 14 million autonomous rides worldwide, serving millions of users across diverse cities.
Its fleet has accumulated more than 200 million kilometers of safe driving, a testament to the maturity and reliability of its autonomous technology.
It has entered 16 global cities, including Hong Kong (China), Dubai (UAE), and Abu Dhabi (UAE), gaining experience in adapting to different regulatory environments, road cultures, and climate conditions.
This track record positions LuoBox well to meet Switzerland’s strict safety and operational standards, paving the way for AmiGo to become a trusted part of the country’s mobility ecosystem.
With AmiGo, LuoBox aims to not only introduce autonomous driving to Switzerland but also redefine how rural and semi-rural communities access convenient, safe, and sustainable transportation—setting a precedent for autonomous mobility’s role in enhancing public transit equity globally.
