Autonomous Vehicles on the Road in China – Sort of
While the headline seems to indicate that autonomous robotaxis will become available in China next month, it seems that such is not really the case. A number of Chinese companies are working toward such a goal yet fully driverless vehicles plowing through the streets in China are still years away. The ‘robotaxi’ headline actually does have some meaning in the Baidu (BIDU) will be providing an app that will allow folks to call a driverless vehicle, for which they will pay $4.60 US, but the vehicles are limited to roads in what is called a ‘geofenced’ area, in this case in an industrial park in Beijing, which is one of the venues for the 2022 Winter Olympics. The park is ~5.3 miles wide.
In fact, while the vehicles are driverless, they are able to be controlled by remote operators using 5G connectivity if occupants find they are not going where expected or are in need of assistance, driving or otherwise. While Baidu is charging for the service, they will also provide a ~$6.00 voucher for a nearby museum. The vehicles are modified electric automobiles produced by Chinese high-end brand Hongqi (pvt), which is owned by FAW Group (state). Baidu is the autonomous vehicle leader in China, based on number of vehicles and miles driven, but a number of Chinese companies are involved in the autonomous market, using the seven government sponsored testing facilities across the country, and a number of cities have designated roads that are available for robotaxi testing, although they are required to have a safety driver. There is no charge for those vehicles.
In fact, while the vehicles are driverless, they are able to be controlled by remote operators using 5G connectivity if occupants find they are not going where expected or are in need of assistance, driving or otherwise. While Baidu is charging for the service, they will also provide a ~$6.00 voucher for a nearby museum. The vehicles are modified electric automobiles produced by Chinese high-end brand Hongqi (pvt), which is owned by FAW Group (state). Baidu is the autonomous vehicle leader in China, based on number of vehicles and miles driven, but a number of Chinese companies are involved in the autonomous market, using the seven government sponsored testing facilities across the country, and a number of cities have designated roads that are available for robotaxi testing, although they are required to have a safety driver. There is no charge for those vehicles.
Robotaxi in Shougang Park - Source: EPA-EFE
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