GUANGZHOU, China — Chinese autonomous driving start-up WeRide has partnered with major automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC GroupTo launch driverless taxis using the ride-hailing platform Ontime

It is a sign of the growing interest in China to market so-called robotics systems on a large scale in booming markets.

WeRide develops autonomous driving systems, but it does not make cars. Instead, it looks to partner with automakers — in this case GAC. GAC partially owns the ride-hailing app Ontime. These three companies will provide autonomous taxis for users to hail through the app.

They will be offering test rides to the public on Friday at Guangzhou Auto Show. According to companies, robotaxi services will become available for the wider public in 2022.

WeRide is an app that’s supported by Nissan. valued at over $3 billionSince 2019, a taxi company in Guangzhou, China has been trying out an autonomous service.

Other upstarts, such as Pony.ai or AutoX, are fierce competitors to the company. Baidu.

Baidu’s CEO Robin Li said that Wednesday was the day when Baidu will be launching its new website. launch its own robotaxi service in 100 cities by 2030.