Robotaxis Pull a Vanishing Act
March 31st, Wuhan: Over 100 self-driving robotaxis decided to take a break at the same time, leaving passengers stuck inside for up to 90 minutes. Some couldn’t open the doors, others were too freaked out by the traffic to even try. It was like a scene from a low-budget sci-fi flick.
The Wuhan Municipal Public Security Bureau’s Traffic Management Bureau received the first reports at 8:57 pm. The culprit? A fleet of robotaxis from Apollo Go, Baidu’s autonomous ride service. Apparently, the cars just stopped working, because why not?
Customer Service or Comedy Routine?
One passenger shared her ordeal online, detailing how she was stuck for an hour and a half, repeatedly calling customer service. Spoiler: they were about as helpful as a chocolate teapot. She was told a specialist was on the way, but her rescue request was canceled, leaving her stranded on an overpass surrounded by dump trucks.
Eventually rescued, she didn’t hold back on criticizing Apollo Go’s customer service, which seemed to be more about passing the buck than actually helping. Videos on social media showed these robotaxis chilling in the middle of Wuhan streets, hazard lights flashing like they were at a disco.
System Failure or Just a Bad Day?
Apollo Go blames a ‘system failure’ for the mass breakdown, but details are as scarce as a quiet toddler. Their robotaxis rely on a centralized management system, meaning when it hiccups, the whole fleet feels it. So, one glitch and it’s a domino effect of stalled cars.
Thankfully, no one was hurt, just a lot of people were late and confused. The incident raises questions about the safety of these unmanned vehicles. An investigation is ongoing, but don’t hold your breath for Baidu to spill the beans.
Quick Facts
- •💡 Over 100 self-driving robotaxis stopped working in Wuhan.
- •💡 Passengers were trapped for up to 90 minutes.
- •💡 Apollo Go cites a ‘system failure’ as the cause.
- •💡 Baidu’s centralized system affects all cars when it fails.
- •💡 No injuries reported, but safety concerns persist.