Robotaxis in Munich: This is how Waymo and Uber are to hit the streets.

The US companies Waymo and Uber are pushing ahead with their plans for robotaxis in Munich. Waymo aims to deploy driverless taxis in the Bavarian state capital by the end of 2027 and has already begun initial test drives with drivers on board. Uber is collaborating on a similar project with the Israeli startup Autobrains. According to BR24, Autobrains is currently testing on routes between Olympiapark and Munich Central Station. In 2027, passengers are to be carried for the first time in this project.

Munich is not to serve solely as a testing ground. According to the available information, the providers are preparing for a later commercial deployment. Waymo points to Munich's prerequisites for mobility and technology when choosing the location. In the test phase, the technology is to be adapted to local traffic conditions. Uber justifies the choice of location with the engineering tradition, the automotive industry, and the city's transport network, which includes different types of streets.

Regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles

The legal basis for autonomous driving in Germany was created with a reform of the Road Traffic Act in 2021. A prerequisite for the deployment of autonomous vehicles is, among other things, a defined operating area. In addition, there must be a technical supervision that can stop the vehicle at any time. This supervision does not have to be on board, but can intervene remotely.

For a regular driverless robotaxi operation in Munich, providers must go through a three-step process. In the first step, an operating permit is required from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA). Next, the Bavarian State Building Authority must approve the intended operating area. The operating area could, for example, be the Munich city area. In the third step, a license to participate in public road traffic is required from the competent registration authority.

Waymo and Uber are still in test operation. According to the Bavarian State Building Authority, there are therefore not yet any corresponding permit applications there. The authorities involved in the process, however, are already in contact.

Owner liable in accidents

Liability for potential accidents is also regulated by law. In principle, the owner is liable for an autonomous vehicle. The basis for this is hazard liability, where liability is linked to the danger arising from operating a vehicle.

For autonomous vehicles, higher liability caps apply than for conventional cars. For these, the maximum liability is five million euros for personal injury and one million euros for property damage. For robotaxis, the source text mentions liability caps of up to ten million euros for personal injury and two million euros for property damage.

During ongoing testing, the safety driver can also be held liable for damages if he has neglected his monitoring duty. If a technical fault is responsible for an accident, the manufacturer can also be held responsible according to the information provided.