Autonomous Driving: The Race of Robotaxis: China vs. America

Beijing, Chandler The seat behind the wheel is empty as the robotaxy pulls up at a bus stop in southern Beijing. Two passengers sit in the back seat. By touching a finger on the screen behind the driver’s seat, they confirm the desired route. The e-car blinks and fits seamlessly into regular traffic.

For the roughly 300,000 residents of Yizhuang District, also known as “E-Town,” more than 300 white robotic taxis with unique structures housing cameras, radar and laser sensors are already part of the street scene. Covering an area of ​​60 square kilometers, the Beijing Advanced Automated Driving Demonstration Area (BJHAD), technology companies such as Baidu are testing commercial operation in regular road traffic. This offer is popular because the ride costs only a few cents, which is significantly cheaper than a regular taxi.