China has recently been rapidly expanding its technology in pursuit of autonomy. This scenario has been accompanied by intense debates over safety and regulation of the technology. A recent incident involving a Baidu robotaxi rekindled public concerns and raised questions about the extent to which these vehicles are ready to handle complex urban environments. The advances are remarkable, but although this requires adapting the technology to the particularities of each region, it remains a significant challenge.
Baidu robotaxi accident raises safety concerns
An autonomous vehicle operated by Baidu’s 9888.HK Apollo Go robotaxi service fell into a deep construction pit while carrying a passenger in southwestern China, according to local media reports. The incident occurred on Wednesday in Chongqing, according to media outlets including the Southern Metropolis Daily and Huashang Newspaper. The female passenger was uninjured and was rescued by local residents using a ladder, the reports said.
Videos circulating on Chinese social media showed a white vehicle bearing a Baidu Apollo logo at the bottom of what appeared to be a construction trench. A local shop owner told Huashang Newspaper that the construction site had barriers and warning signs, though it remained unclear how the vehicle bypassed these safety measures. Reuters has been able to verify the location of the social media videos, but has no information on how the car got there.
Baidu did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment on Friday. The incident sparked widespread discussion on Chinese social media over the safety of robotaxis. Baidu operates one of China’s largest autonomous vehicle fleets and has been conducting commercial robotaxi operations in multiple cities including Wuhan, Beijing, and Chongqing.
China seeks global expansion amid security incidents
Baidu still maintains plans to bring autonomous technology to international markets, despite the accident in Chongqing. This reinforces the company’s strategic agreements, which seek to accelerate testing in diverse conditions. Industry analysts emphasize that the company’s global credibility will depend on more than just technological innovation, such as its ability to ensure consistent safety standards, especially given the negative comments and concerns from the public and regulatory agencies.
The company has also recently pushed to expand its robotaxi service to global markets, signing partnerships with U.S. ride-hailing platforms Uber Technologies UBER.N and Lyft LYFT.O. In May, Chinese rival Pony.ai PONY.O came under scrutiny after videos of one of its cars on fire on a road in Beijing circulated on social media. The company later said that the car caught fire while being handled by service staff after a system malfunction and that no passengers were on board.
Incidents reinforce debate on autonomous technology
Last year, an incident in San Francisco involving a crowd setting fire to an autonomous Waymo robotaxi which had driven into streets crowded with revellers sparked a debate about the ability of robotic cars to make judgments.
Will the public trust autonomous driving?
Chinese authorities are increasingly implementing stricter safety protocols, particularly for testing and operating autonomous vehicles. Meanwhile, companies in the sector are investing in redundant safety systems to reduce risks. Experts say that building a trustworthy ecosystem requires constant monitoring and public education programs to help users understand the technology’s limitations.
This episode involving Baidu in Chongqing serves as a reminder that, while this technology holds significant potential for the future of the technology and automotive industries, autonomous driving is still in its infancy, facing significant practical and social obstacles that cannot be ignored by companies. Baidu needs to strike a balance between innovation and safety, and this will be a determining factor in the company’s ability to expand its quality services and gain consumer trust on a global scale.
GCN.com/Reuters