Robo taxis to accelerate autonomous public transportation

The race to advance and autonomous mobility and transportation is heating up. In recent years, the world has witnessed a revolution in the taxi industry with the emergence of ride-booking applications. 

Following the trend, various existing firms have updated their offerings by presenting new taxi booking applications. However, this hasn’t been enough for them.

The advent of artificial intelligence has offered taxi companies the opportunity to bring on new and innovative ideas. One such an innovative idea has turned to be robotic taxis, or robo taxis, the next step of innovation for public transport.

The transportation world is deliberately moving towards autonomous vehicles for public transport.

Moreover, this highly automated technology is expected to revolutionize the world in various advantageous ways. Let’s explore some of the advantages of having robo taxis as public transportation.

Reduced rates of accidents

Road traffic injuries due to human errors have already become a key cause of death. In addition, public transport including taxies can greatly contribute to decrease the rate of accidents.

However, with semi-automation in vehicles, the number has been decreased, as the sensors and advanced systems alert the driver during danger.

In addition, robo taxis can also be a much better solution to reduce the rate of road accidents.

Reduce traffic congestion

The highly automated technology can be helpful in reducing traffic congestion, as autonomous cars are equipped with connected car technology.

With this technology, the cars can communicate with each other, based on which it can improve their routes for an individual vehicle. This information can help to distribute a proper traffic flow.

This could help robo taxis to offer a more convenient ride and reduce the time as well.

Lower CO2 emission

Many people argue that transportation has augmented global warming. Regardless of the environmental consequences, vehicles are chosen regularly owing to consumer demands and needs.

On the other hand, traffic congestion, speeding up, and re-accelerating of vehicles has resulted in nothing but increased pollution.

However, the robo taxis can contribute to reducing overall pollution, mostly emitted by other vehicles.

These autonomous vehicles are programmed to maintain consistent driving speed and keep a measured distance between vehicles. This can reduce excess braking and re-acceleration.

Moreover, the electronic models of robo taxis with the electronic or hybrid engine can reduce the use of fuel.

Easier parking

Robo taxis would be able to park themselves without much space, as it does not require to open the doors.

This can enhance the parking system along with reducing the parking space. This would lead to parking the taxis next to each other, or even. A much better, space-saving and systematic arrangement to park taxis.

Effective and affordable taxies

As mentioned earlier, the autonomous taxis would contribute to lessening the traffic congestion. This would make the cab less essential. The riding cost would also decrease as robo taxis don’t require much fuel and time.

The benefits offered by robo taxis have attracted the fancy of various manufacturers as well as transport providers. Various automobile companies have come out with innovative launches to enhance the convenience of public transportation.

On the other hand, several taxi service providers are taking the initiative and introducing robo taxis to enhance their services. Innumerable activities are hitting the market with innovative launches.

Recently, in order to enhance the facility of public transportation, an automobile company along with automotive publication have partnered to offer robo taxis.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, a multinational automobile manufacturer, in association with AutoX, a Chinese startup, have announced the introduction of robo taxis in China.

Moreover, the companies are aiming to launch the robo taxi services in several cities including Shenzhen and Shanghai in the first two quarters.

Meanwhile, Tata Elxsi, a leading mobility solution provider along with AEye, the software provider has unveiled an integrated robo taxi. The robo taxi has been equipped with AEye based iDAR platform.

Supported by dynamic return on investment and cueing of sensors, iDAR expands the range of object detection, classification, and tracking offering improved safety in the robo taxis.

Moreover, the companies aim to accelerate the deployment of autonomous features in vehicles, including robo taxis, with the help of iDAR.

Autonomous vehicles have also proved their worth in various other sectors. Involving them in public transportation may result in a great deal of profit for investors as well as beneficial for nature.

Moreover, the initiatives taken by the automobile manufacturing companies as well as taxi service providers to bring robo taxis as a way of public transportation is propelling the market to expand further.

In recent years, the robo taxis market has witnessed significant growth. As a report by Allied Market Research forecasts, the global robo taxi market is anticipated to reach $38.61 billion, with annual growth of 67.8 percent, by 2030.

The growing demand for fuel-efficient and emission-free vehicles and an increase in the need for better road safety and traffic control are the two major factors driving growth.

Moreover, the rise in government regulations and an increase in the trend of smart cities are expected to provide the market with several opportunities in the future.

About the author: Akshita Pacholi is a content writer and researcher at Allied Market Research. She holds a Masters Degree in English Literature and has a passion for new and developing technologies.