Robotaxi

Part of a series on
Self-driving cars & self-driving vehicles
Enablers
Assured clear distance ahead Autonomous racing Datasets History Impact Lane centering Pedestrian crash avoidance mitigation Vehicle infrastructure integration
Topics
Automatic parking Platoon Regulation Liability Robotaxi Self-driving truck Tunnel problem
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Automatic train operation Unmanned surface vehicle Vehicular automation
v t e

A robotaxi, also known as robot taxi, robo-taxi, self-driving taxi or driverless taxi, is an autonomous car (SAE automation level 4 or 5) operated for a ridesharing company.

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 urban 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^[update] 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]