China is likely to beat any other country by releasing self-driving cars in the next three years. Baidu, a Chinese web service company headquartered in Beijing, often referred to as China's Google, has been working on self-driving cars for many years.
Speaking to Chinese media, Baidu's chief scientist Andrew Ng mentioned that self- driving cars could be ready for sale in next three years. Tech in Asia cites Andrew Ng as saying that self-driving technology shall be introduced within public transport initially. However, Ng is not sure whether a self-driving sedan would be capable of navigating through China's busy highways.
American companies like Google and Tesla are also involved in research and developing self-driving cars. In its Self-Driving Project, Google mentions that its cars would be driver-free and will allow everyone to travel in a car at push of a button.
Guardian reported that unlike Google, Baidu intends to introduce cars that would assist drivers rather than replace them. Baidu had tied up with BMW and announced its self-driving research project in April 2014. Additionally, Baidu has its own data-mapping service and has undertaken thorough research into artificial intelligence which gives them an edge in self-driving car segment.
In Sept. 12, 2015, it is reported that Baidu made an announcement. According to the announcement, its self-driving car - a BMW 3 modified model - had driven around 18.3 miles of complicated route in Beijing successfully.
Tech in Asia also reported that Baidu has also entered into an agreement with Bejing town of Yizhuang. According to this agreement, Baidu shall use the town's roads for testing its self-driving public buses.
The primary difficulty in releasing self-driving vehicles, however, lies in getting procedural and legislative approval for same.
According to a reliable source, issues of liability, safety requirements, protocol to be followed during emergency will have to be sorted out before self-driving cars are allowed to hit the roads.