Autonomous taxi, robot taxi

(dpa) Germany is considered a pioneer in autonomous driving, but there is no type approval for Level 4 buses. Experts criticize a patchwork of test projects and call for planning certainty for manufacturers and transport operators.

(dpa) An intelligent sensor system, tenfold security architecture, and electric drives: Baidu's RT6 models are expected to soon be available on the Lyft platform. The European rollout begins in 2026 and relies on local market knowledge and partnerships.

While discussions are still ongoing in Europe, Shanghai is issuing several robotaxi licenses at once. Companies like Pony AI, Baidu, WeRide, and SAIC Motor are now allowed to offer their services commercially in selected urban areas – without safety drivers.

(dpa) The ride-hailing service is taking a new approach: Instead of just integrating third-party providers, Uber plans to operate its own robotaxis in the future. The entry will be made with electric SUVs and external technology for autonomous driving – a change of course with a signaling effect for the industry.

After partnerships with Cruise and Waymo, Uber is now relying on Baidu for an international expansion of autonomous driving services. The rollout begins in Asia and the Middle East – with concrete plans for Europe.

Autonomous driving is the next big thing in the automotive industry. Who is ahead in robo-driving? Is it the Chinese carmakers? Or is it Tesla? Are the German manufacturers hopelessly behind?

(dpa) Tesla ventures into the robotaxi market, but relies on an unusual technology concept. While the competition relies on sensors, Tesla trusts solely in cameras – with risks and potential benefits. An overview of the pilot project.

The Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars is getting involved on the international stage. In Hamburg, the question arose as to how autonomous vehicles and traditional taxis will complement each other in the future – or displace each other.

Los Angeles/San Francisco – Anyone ordering a driverless taxi in California not only pays more but also waits longer. Nevertheless, interest in Waymo's robotaxis is growing. A recent study by the analysis firm Obi shows: The autonomous competition to Uber and Lyft has its price. And yet it still has its customers.

Tesla, the company that was once considered a pioneer in electromobility, is facing a strategic crossroads. Founder and CEO Elon Musk is pinning his hopes on an ambitious project: the fully autonomous robotaxi. However, while competitors like Waymo have long been operating approved services in several U.S. cities, Tesla's push remains a promise so far – without approval, without operations, with open technical and regulatory questions.

(dpa) With over 1,500 robotaxis, the Google sister company reaches over 250,000 rides with passengers per week. By the end of next year, more than 2,000 additional autonomous vehicles are expected to be added.

Drive autonomously, arrive safely – that's the promise of the developers of self-driving vehicles. The reality, however, is sometimes less promising. In the USA, Amazon subsidiary Zoox is now forced to recall part of its robotaxi fleet for the second time within a month. The reason: another incident in public road traffic.

How can AI, data protection, and cybersecurity be safely regulated in cars? The new position paper from the TÜV Association provides concrete recommendations for lawmakers and industry – from the digital vehicle record to the testing of learning systems.

Tesla's plans for its own robotaxi service are facing delays. Two trademark applications were halted by the US Patent Office. The car company now needs to take further action – or reconsider.

(dpa) While Waymo is establishing autonomous ride services in several cities, Tesla is preparing to launch its own robotaxi service. Different technologies and strategies are shaping the race for the future market of autonomous driving.

From the outside, Dubai seems made for smooth transitions – from desert sand to a shiny skyline, from oil to solar power, from traditional taxis to electric chauffeurs. Now, the city on the Persian Gulf is further upgrading its fleet and is preparing to bring the taxi of tomorrow onto the streets today – with and without drivers.

(dpa) Waymo's robotaxis (mostly) navigate comfortably through the dense traffic in U.S. cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles. However, a fast-food restaurant drive-thru was insurmountable for one of the cars.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is known for ambitious visions. One of them: Tesla owners could rent out their vehicles as autonomous taxis in the future, thus earning a lucrative side income. However, this idea will not withstand reality.