Robotaxis are autonomous cars that operate without a human driver at the wheel
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They are designed to transport people like a real taxi, but without a driver
Here’s how they work:
Navigation:
Robotaxis move using a combination of different technologies and create a map of their surroundings through various sensors. Lidar devices make it possible to measure distances to obstacles, vehicles, or other objects using a remote sensing system based on pulses of laser light. Further ultrasonic sensors and cameras are used to detect and identify objects and pedestrians
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Data and AI:
The role of data in robotaxis is to provide the necessary information for the vehicle to navigate safely and efficiently. This includes data on the location and layout of roads, traffic patterns, and potential hazards such as pedestrians or other vehicles. AI algorithms are used to enable the robotaxis to navigate through different environments, including urban and suburban areas, and to accurately determine their location using a variety of sensors and mapping technology. AI algorithms are also used to enable the robotaxis to make decisions in real-time, such as determining the best route to take or how to respond to changing traffic conditions
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Service areas:
Robotaxis can only move at limited speed within circumscribed areas predetermined by the local authorities and adequately equipped. Achieving ‘level 5’, that of maximum autonomy, remains out of reach for now, given current technological and infrastructural limitations
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Several companies are testing robotaxi services, especially in the United States and in China
. However, widespread deployment of robotaxis has yet to occur, and many experts believe it will be several more years before autonomous taxis are a common sight on the roads, as there are still many technical and regulatory hurdles to overcome
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