Mass Robotaxi Malfunction Halts Traffic in Wuhan, Raising Safety Concerns
A widespread malfunction of robotaxis in Wuhan, China, resulted in over a hundred self-driving vehicles ceasing operation mid-traffic. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has reignited debate concerning the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicle technology.
Police Investigate Incident
Local police attributed the stoppage to a "system malfunction", with investigations ongoing. Social media footage reportedly showed the disruption leading to a highway collision, though authorities confirmed no injuries were sustained, and passengers safely exited their vehicles. Baidu, the operator of the Apollo Go service, has not yet commented on the incident.
UK Trials Face Scrutiny
Baidu's Apollo Go service operates across numerous cities, primarily in China. Plans for trials in the UK, involving partnerships with Uber and Lyft, are scheduled for 2026, pending regulatory approval. This incident casts a shadow over these prospective trials, prompting experts to highlight the unique risks associated with autonomous technology.
Professor Jack Stilgoe of University College London commented that while driverless technology "may be safer on average" than human operation, it can "still go wrong in completely new ways." He emphasised the need to comprehend "entirely new types of risk" to make informed decisions about this burgeoning technology.
This is not an isolated occurrence; previous incidents include Waymo taxis halting during a San Francisco power outage in December 2025 and an Apollo Go robotaxi falling into a construction pit in Chongqing in August 2025.
