Baidu: From Search Engine to AI Pioneer Baidu, co-founded by Robin Li and Eric Xu in 2000, emerged as China's leading search engine, initially leveraging Li's patented RankDex algorithm, which predated Google's PageRank. Its early innovation included a click-based advertising model, preceding Google's approach. Expansion into news and image search followed in 2003, showcasing Baidu's technological prowess. The company's 2005 Wall Street IPO marked a significant milestone. A 2007 license from Beijing allowed Baidu to function as a full-fledged news provider, a first for a Chinese search engine. International expansion, including a Japanese service (later discontinued), and strategic partnerships with companies like Sina and Qualcomm, further solidified Baidu's position. Key appointments, such as Dr. Andrew Ng as chief scientist in 2014, underscored its commitment to AI. Baidu's ambitious Apollo project, launched in 2017, focuses on autonomous driving technology, with substantial investments and collaborations with automotive giants like Continental and Bosch. The company also ventured into diverse areas, including a mobile personal assistant app and a portable translator. Despite facing challenges such as a 2010 cyberattack and bribery allegations, Baidu continued its growth trajectory. A secondary listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2021 raised $3.1 billion. Recent developments include the unveiling of Robocar concepts featuring advanced AI capabilities and the launch of Ernie Bot, its ChatGPT competitor. As of April 2024, Baidu's Apollo Go driverless ride-hailing service has completed millions of rides across multiple Chinese cities. The company's continued focus on AI and autonomous driving positions it for future growth in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.