Have you ever wondered about traveling in solace or without arguing with the driver? That’s something everybody wants. After the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, the market is whispering about the charm of robotaxi. The invention of robotaxis is slowly transforming the way public transport works. As per some sources, in 2023, the market size of robotaxis was reported as USD 0.4, and now it is expected to reach USD 45.7 billion by 2030. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and sensors, these autonomous taxis provide a smarter and more efficient mode of transport. This in-depth blog will focus on robotaxis and how they revolutionize public transport.
What is a Robotaxi?
On October 10th, Elon Musk announced its new invention, ‘Tesla Robotaxi,’ in the ‘We, Robot’ event at Warner Bros. Studios in California.
Robotaxis are self-autonomous or self-driving vehicles. In the past few years, many different companies like Tesla, Waymo (Alphabet’s subsidiary company), and Cruise have come up with different self-driven vehicles. The technologies and material quality behind these robotaxis are a matter of discussion.
These autonomous taxis feature state-of-the-art algorithms, AI systems, sensors, and cameras. For example, AI enables these taxis to analyze road patterns and navigate efficiently.
This will help further with decision-making. Apart from that, sensors and cameras capture roads and other crucial information.
Features of the Robotaxi
Robotaxis is popular for its driverless technology, but there are more cool features in it. So let’s take a closer look at the list of all the features these taxis are built of.
Safety Systems
While driving any vehicle, it’s very important to use every feature on time. Let’s say you applied the brakes after the accident occurred, there’s no point in doing that. Robotaxis is built on driverless technology that ensures that every feature, such as steering, communication, and braking, works appropriately on time. So as a passenger, you don’t need to worry about it.
Drive Electrically
Most robotaxis are electric-based. So they are highly sustainable and save money on operational costs.
Autonomous Driving Technology
These robotaxis are built on autonomous driving technologies such as sensors, AI algorithms, and cameras. With the help of these technologies, robotaxis can easily detect any obstacle and can understand the directions easily without any human interference.
User-Friendly Design
Some passengers have more luggage while others have less. These robotaxis are designed to accommodate both types of passengers.
Highly Convenient & Comfortable
These robotaxis are spacious, clean, and highly convenient. It is manufactured from the passenger’s perspective so that they feel safe and comfortable while traveling.
Challenges and Limitations of Robotaxis
Let’s understand some challenges and limitations of robotaxis.
Convince People to use it
Manufacturing robotaxis is one thing, but convincing people to trust and use it is a big challenge. Technology can malfunction anytime, and that’s the reason people are scared to travel in driverless cabs, as they don’t want to risk their lives.
Technology Limitation
Robotaxis solely relies on AI algorithms and sensors to differentiate anything. So if something is not understandable, it can create the biggest mess. Let’s say if there is a roadblock, such as any construction or natural disaster, we can’t say how the robotaxis algorithms react.
Higher Costs
Many robotaxis owners claim that it’s affordable and cost-effective, but the truth is that manufacturing robotaxis costs much more. So at the initial stage, there is a chance that the fare price for traveling in these robotaxis seems expensive.
Cybersecurity Risks
The biggest challenge of these robotaxis is they can be hacked. These robotaxis have passenger data, so that’s the reason people feel dubious about trusting the technology.
How safe are Robotaxis?
No doubt that humans are full of errors. Whether it’s finding a pen while driving or talking with someone on a video call, sometimes a small carelessness leads to a big accident. That’s where robotaxis seems like a much safer option, as its driverless technology ensures that the vehicle is moving in the right direction. But it also has some consequences, like cybersecurity and technical malfunctions.
Unless the robotaxis fully launches and operates in the market, we can’t say anything about their safety concerns. Currently, companies like Tesla and others are focusing on extensive testing of these robotaxis so that passengers feel safe and secure without worrying about their destination.
Environmental Benefits of Autonomous Robotaxis
Greenhouse gases (GHG) are the biggest threat to our environment. Did you know that more than 28% of pollution is caused by transportation, especially from car vehicles? From this perspective, if we talk about robotaxis, it’s the most eco-friendly transportation option.
These electric-based robotaxis have far less carbon emissions as compared to traditional gasoline-based vehicles. Apart from this, these electric vehicles promote carpooling and ride-sharing, this way, the need for more vehicles is reduced. If we talk about future aspects, then it will depend on the fact that how many people adopt these electric robotaxis.
For example, if more people opt for electric robotaxis, there will be a tremendous reduction in pollution. Additionally, these robotaxis are noise-free in comparison with traditional vehicles, which create more noise pollution while starting.
The Impact of Robotaxis on Public Transportation
No doubt that in the upcoming days, you will see a huge change in public transportation. From bullet trains to electric robotaxi, new technologies bring tremendous change. Let’s explore more about it.
Highly Accessible
With higher accessibility of robotaxis, it can improve the transportation system by addressing the shortage of transporting vehicles.
An Eco-Friendly Option
Robotaxis is the most efficient and eco-friendly option. People can travel anywhere without affecting the environment.
Huge Job Displacement
These driverless technology-based vehicles eliminate the need for drivers. So, this will negatively impact drivers’ jobs, but on the other hand, there will be more jobs in the field of robotaxis manufacturers industries.
Need for Advanced Infrastructure
These robotaxis are electric vehicles (EVs), so there should be more charging station-based infrastructure.
With some positive and negative impacts, these autonomous taxis can play a pivotal role in transforming public transportation systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques 1. What is a Tesla robotaxi?
Ans. Tesla recently announced their upcoming robotaxy which is completely driverless and provides a seamless experience to the passenger.
Ques 2. How much does a robotaxi cost?
Ans. Elon Musk clearly says that the cost of the Tesla robotaxi is around $30000 which is considered less expensive as compared to other technology.
Ques 3. Are driverless taxis safe?
Ans. When asked about the safety protocols of driverless taxis, he said that the Tesla robotaxi is built on advanced superficial technology that takes care of the safety of the passengers.
Ques 4. Who is the owner of Cruise Robotaxi?
Ans. Kyle Vogt and Dan Kan founded Cruise Automation in 2013. This company is part of General Motors. With its self-autonomous car technology, it’s one of the biggest competitors for Tesla Robotaxi.
We hope this article will be helpful to you. Stay tuned for upcoming articles.
READ MORE: Elon Musk’s New AI Startup Launches- Are You Ready to Gear Up?
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