One difference between the robotaxi rollouts within the two countries has to do with regulation. Chinese regulators are known for his or her hands-on approach and the tendency to rein in recent technologies early. Robotaxis have been no exception.
In December 2023, China’s first regulation on business operation of autonomous vehicles went into effect. It sets some ground rules for various sorts of vehicles: roboshuttles or robotrucks still have to have in-car safety operators, while robotaxis can use distant operators. The ratio of robotaxis to distant operators cannot exceed 3:1, and operators have to pass certain skill tests. There are also rules specifying what data the businesses have to report when accidents occur.
Like all first stab at regulations, the document still seems relatively abstract at this point. However it does put China one step ahead of the US, where national laws on robotaxis could take for much longer to return, and it’s the person states taking all of the steps for now. It would be interesting to see how different regulatory approaches will affect the industry in the longer term.
On that note, we would give you the chance to see American and Chinese robotaxi firms compete directly soon—not on their home turfs, but within the Middle East. In Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, robotaxis made by the Chinese company WeRide have been carrying out free test rides. Only a two-hour drive away in Dubai, robotaxis made by Cruise are also being tested, although the identical vehicles have been pulled off the roads within the US.
Possibly we are going to soon give you the chance to ride a Chinese robotaxi and an American robotaxi on the identical day. If you happen to get the prospect to do this, definitely let me understand how it goes!
Meet up with China
1. China’s population declined for the second 12 months in a row, in line with recent data released by the federal government. (NBC News)
2. AI scientists and policy experts from the US and China held secretive talks in Geneva last 12 months to align their views on AI safety. (Financial Times $)
