One distinction between the robotaxi rollouts within the two nations has to do with regulation. Chinese regulators are identified for his or her hands-on method and the tendency to rein in new applied sciences early. Robotaxis have been no exception.
In December 2023, China’s first regulation on business operation of autonomous automobiles went into impact. It units some floor guidelines for various sorts of automobiles: roboshuttles or robotrucks nonetheless must have in-car security operators, whereas robotaxis can use distant operators. The ratio of robotaxis to distant operators can’t exceed 3:1, and operators must go sure talent exams. There are additionally guidelines specifying what knowledge the businesses must report when accidents occur.
Like any first stab at rules, the doc nonetheless appears comparatively summary at this level. But it does put China one step forward of the US, the place nationwide laws on robotaxis might take for much longer to come back, and it’s the person states taking all of the steps for now. It shall be attention-grabbing to see how the totally different regulatory approaches will have an effect on the trade sooner or later.
On that notice, we’d have the ability to see American and Chinese robotaxi corporations compete straight quickly—not on their dwelling turfs, however within the Middle East. In Abu Dhabi, the capital metropolis of the United Arab Emirates, robotaxis made by the Chinese firm WeRide have been finishing up free take a look at rides. Just a two-hour drive away in Dubai, robotaxis made by Cruise are additionally being examined, though the identical automobiles have been pulled off the roads within the US.
Maybe we are going to quickly have the ability to trip a Chinese robotaxi and an American robotaxi on the identical day. If you get the prospect to do this, positively let me know the way it goes!
Do you assume the Chinese hands-on regulatory method will profit the trade or not? Tell me your ideas at zeyi@technologyreview.com.
Catch up with China
1. China’s inhabitants declined for the second yr in a row, in line with new knowledge launched by the federal government. (NBC News)
2. AI scientists and coverage specialists from the US and China held secretive talks in Geneva final yr to align their views on AI security. (Financial Times $)