Technological advances that continue rapidly around the world cause developments in many different sectors that do not look like science fiction films. We can also say that one of the most affected by this situation is the automotive industry. Many automakers are investing in autonomous driving technologies that allow vehicles to drive themselves, and they expect these vehicles to become widely available in the future.
Of course, it is possible to say that it is difficult for us to see such vehicles frequently in traffic at the moment. However, important steps have already been taken regarding autonomous taxis designed to transport people. Recently, we shared with you that Japanese auto giant Honda plans to start providing fully autonomous taxi services in Tokyo in the coming years. Now, a move has come from China in this regard.
Driverless taxis are allowed to be used in Beijing
According to the news, Beijing, the capital of China, has taken a big step towards driverless ‘robotaxes’. In the statements made, it was stated that the autonomous vehicle technologies company Pony.ai and internet giant Baidu were allowed to serve in the city with such vehicles. In the statements that stated that 10 vehicles of Baudi and 4 vehicles of Pony.ai will be on the roads, it was stated that both companies will start operating with a small fleet, but this number may increase in the future.
According to CNBC, this approval was the first in the country to allow people to travel in non-driver vehicles. According to the statements, the Beijing administration will require a staff member in each vehicle to ensure the smooth functioning of the service. However, these personnel will not be required to sit in the driver’s seat. In addition, both companies have already tested their vehicles in many cities of China, including Beijing; however, it was also among the news that there should be someone at the wheel for safety in these tests.
It should also be noted that this service currently has an advantage for those living in Beijing. According to the statements, both companies have not yet received permission to charge fees for their services from the authorities. This means that people can travel in self-driving taxis for free for a while via mobile apps from Pony.ai and Baudi. It was also among the statements that these trips will take place in an area of approximately 60 square kilometers in the Yizhuang region of Beijing for the time being.
In short, we can say that this approval is important for both China and the world in autonomous technologies. It should also be added that Beijing aims to have at least second-level autonomous driving technologies for 70% of the vehicles sold by 2030.
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