Robotaxi

Some studies have hypothesized that robotaxis operated in an autonomous mobility on demand (AMoD) service could be one of the most rapidly adopted applications of autonomous cars at scale and a major mobility solution, especially in urban areas.^[1] Moreover, they could have a very positive impact on road safety, traffic congestion and parking.^{[2][3][4][5][6]} Robotaxis could also reduce pollution and energy consumption, since these services will most probably use electric cars^[7] and for most of the rides, less vehicle size and range is necessary compared to individually owned vehicles.^[8] The expected reduction in number of vehicles means less embodied energy;^[9] however energy consumption for redistribution of empty vehicles must be taken into account.^[10] Robotaxis would reduce operating costs by eliminating the need for a human driver, which might make it an affordable form of transportation and increase the popularity of transportation-as-a-service (TaaS) as opposed to individual car ownership.^{[11][12][13][14]} Such developments could lead to job destruction^[15][16] and new challenges concerning operator liabilities.^[17] In 2023, some robotaxis caused congestion when they blocked roads due to lost cellular connectivity, and others failed to properly yield to emergency vehicles.^[18] As of 2023 there has been only one fatality associated with a robotaxi, a pedestrian who was hit by an Uber test vehicle in 2018.


Predictions of the widespread and rapid introduction of robotaxis – by as early as 2018 – have not been realized. There are a number of trials underway in cities around the world, some of which are open to the public and generate revenue. However, as of 2021, questions have been raised as to whether the progress of self-driving technology has stalled and whether issues of social acceptance, cybersecurity and cost have been addressed.^[19][20]