Where Can You Order A Robotaxi?

Self-driving cars, currently limited to robotaxis, are a reality but also raise concerns due to their technological and ethical implications. Tesla recently launched a small-scale robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, but with safety drivers on board. Waymo, a US competitor, has expanded its robotaxi services to Atlanta, in addition to already operating in cities like Austin, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. In Chinese cities, robotaxis are becoming more common, with several operators competing for dominance and expanding their fleets. Apollo Go, operated by Baidu, has around 1,000 robotaxis on the road in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Some companies are also operating public trials and services in smaller cities, often with low fare structures that have caused concerns among taxi drivers. While many current robotaxis have limitations, such as specific areas or times of operation, some also have remote safety operators or on-board safety drivers. A notable accident in San Francisco in 2023, where a Cruise robotaxi failed to stop and dragged a pedestrian, led to the project being abandoned by its parent company GM in 2024. The development of robotaxis is ongoing, with companies like WeRide operating in Abu Dhabi and conducting tests in San Jose, and Apollo Go planning to expand to Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. The growth of robotaxis is a global phenomenon, with various companies and cities exploring the potential of self-driving cars, despite the challenges and concerns that come with this technology.