Robotaxis – Idea, Snapshot, Perspectives, and Lessons Learned for Autonomous Driving
Our report on the state of robotaxis in Europe, together with Mobileye, is now also available in English. Originally published in German, the report has resonated widely — and we’re glad to make it accessible to an international audience as well.
Robotaxis are no longer a vision of the future. In the U.S., Waymo already records over 500,000 paid rides per week across ten cities, while Chinese providers such as Pony.ai, WeRide, and Apollo Go are actively expanding into Europe. Yet the European market is still in its early stages. Pilot projects with small vehicle fleets dominate the landscape, and large-scale, commercial offerings remain largely absent so far. The potential, however, is significant: robotaxis can improve traffic safety, make public transport more efficient, and give people with limited mobility greater independence. Now that commercial robotaxi giants from the U.S. and China are setting their sights on the European market as well, the question arises: what role will this new form of mobility play in Europe — and how should it be shaped?
The report provides a comprehensive snapshot of the robotaxi market with a particular focus on Europe. It analyzes the current offering and key initiatives worldwide, the technological state of the art, regulatory and infrastructural conditions, and the user perspective. A Germany-wide survey (n=2,511) shows that around half of those familiar with the concept could see themselves using a robotaxi in the future, with motivations ranging widely — from comfort and enthusiasm for technology to sustainability and cost considerations.
Building on these findings, the report derives concrete recommendations for action for policymakers, transit operators, and providers, and outlines what it will take for robotaxis to follow „the European Way“: as an integrated part of public transport, built on high safety and data protection standards, and delivering clear benefit to society.
The report was authored by Prof. Dr. Andreas Herrmann, Johann Jungwirth (Mobileye), Tamara Wisser, and Karla Ruggaber.
Contact
Tamara Wisser, tamara.wisser@unisg.ch
Robotaxis – Idea, Snapshot, Perspectives, and Lessons Learned for Autonomous Driving
Our report on the state of robotaxis in Europe, together with Mobileye, is now also available in English. Originally published in German, the report has resonated widely — and we’re glad to make it accessible to an international audience as well.
Robotaxis are no longer a vision of the future. In the U.S., Waymo already records over 500,000 paid rides per week across ten cities, while Chinese providers such as Pony.ai, WeRide, and Apollo Go are actively expanding into Europe. Yet the European market is still in its early stages. Pilot projects with small vehicle fleets dominate the landscape, and large-scale, commercial offerings remain largely absent so far. The potential, however, is significant: robotaxis can improve traffic safety, make public transport more efficient, and give people with limited mobility greater independence. Now that commercial robotaxi giants from the U.S. and China are setting their sights on the European market as well, the question arises: what role will this new form of mobility play in Europe — and how should it be shaped?
The report provides a comprehensive snapshot of the robotaxi market with a particular focus on Europe. It analyzes the current offering and key initiatives worldwide, the technological state of the art, regulatory and infrastructural conditions, and the user perspective. A Germany-wide survey (n=2,511) shows that around half of those familiar with the concept could see themselves using a robotaxi in the future, with motivations ranging widely — from comfort and enthusiasm for technology to sustainability and cost considerations.
Building on these findings, the report derives concrete recommendations for action for policymakers, transit operators, and providers, and outlines what it will take for robotaxis to follow „the European Way“: as an integrated part of public transport, built on high safety and data protection standards, and delivering clear benefit to society.
The report was authored by Prof. Dr. Andreas Herrmann, Johann Jungwirth (Mobileye), Tamara Wisser, and Karla Ruggaber.
Contact
Tamara Wisser, tamara.wisser@unisg.ch