{
  "id": 18720044,
  "title": "Robotaxis are taking over China’s cities. What are they actually like to ride?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/robotaxis-are-taking-over-chinas-cities-what-are-they-actually-like",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-07T13:30:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SCMP Tech",
    "slug": "scmp-tech",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3373603/robotaxis-are-taking-over-chinas-cities-what-are-they-actually-ride"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sitting in the back of a Pony.ai robotaxi in Shenzhen, the driver's seat was empty and the steering wheel turned itself. After a slightly delayed arrival, the car's interior revealed a world devoid of small talk with a human driver. In two major Chinese tech hubs - Shenzhen and Beijing - I experienced how autonomous vehicles are gradually becoming a regular mode of transport despite some practical compromises.\n\nThe first challenge was a longer-than-expected waiting time, estimated at five minutes by Pony.ai's app but taking closer to 10 minutes. Upon boarding, a QR code scan and a swift buckle-up were all that was required, as the vehicle would not move without passenger confirmation. Inside the car, real-time digital displays of nearby vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists illustrated the autonomous software's capabilities, though the screen offered limited insight into the system's reliability.\n\nPony.ai demonstrated cautious driving, braking early for electric scooters, yielding to pedestrians, and making way for other vehicles cutting into its lane. The journey was smooth and reassuring, though occasionally hesitant. In contrast, the Apollo Go robotaxi in Beijing was more assertive, changing lanes readily, accelerating promptly, and pulling away decisively at green lights, although it also braked more frequently. However, these test journeys cannot conclusively settle safety concerns. Pony.ai assures safety is achieved through extensive real-world testing, simulation-based validation, and a proprietary \"PonyWorld\" world model that recreates complex traffic conditions and rare edge cases.\n\nThe most immediate luxury was the personal space provided by the driverless vehicle. As someone used to stressful taxi conversations, the absence of a driver eliminated the need for social negotiation. The cabin also served as a clean, odorless sanctuary with adjustable air conditioning and music options. In Shenzhen, the Pony.ai vehicle was spotless, while in Beijing, Apollo Go's cabins featured onboard voice commands for temperature control and a back-seat massage feature.\n\nHowever, the robotaxis' limitations extended beyond the cabin. Trips were restricted to designated zones with fixed pickup and drop-off stations, necessitating longer walks to reach the final destination. Both autonomous fleets currently operate within specific zones, requiring passengers to walk between stops, making the experience more akin to boarding a bus than hailing a taxi.\n\nDespite these challenges, the commercial momentum for robotaxis appears to be accelerating. Pony.ai's revenue surged nearly eight-fold year on year to US$12.1 million in the second quarter, with passenger fare revenue increasing over nine-fold. The company's global fleet now comprises 1,975 vehicles, and registered users in China topped 1.5 million by mid-August, covering over 2,000 square kilometers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Shenzhen's routes now extend to major transit hubs, including Baoan International Airport, Shenzhen Bay Port, and Shekou Cruise Port.\n\nAs these robotaxis expand their reach, it is likely more passengers will leave their car keys behind. Ensuring shorter wait times and moving stopping points closer to doorsteps will be crucial in convincing more commuters to embrace this new mode of transport. For now, an empty driver's seat may still turn heads, but the simple luxury of absolute silence is an aspect that becomes increasingly appealing.",
  "summary": "The driver’s seat was empty and the steering wheel was turning on its own. Sitting in the back of a Pony.ai robotaxi in Shenzhen, I felt a flicker of nervousness. But as the car glided into traffic, the initial unease gave way to an appreciation of something far less futuristic: the blissful absence of small talk with the driver. My test rides in two of China’s major tech hubs – with Pony.ai in…",
  "key_points": [
    "Robotaxis in Shenzhen and Beijing offer silent, driverless rides with real-time safety displays.",
    "Longer waiting times (up to 10 minutes) and limited zones restrict robotaxi convenience.",
    "Pony.ai's revenue grew eight-fold, with 1.5 million users covering 2,000 sq km in China."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}