In a stunning failure of technology, over 100 Baidu robotaxis came to a standstill in the bustling city of Wuhan, trapping passengers in the midst of chaotic traffic and sparking widespread concern.
The incident left riders stranded for up to two hours, with many vehicles unable to switch to safety protocols, creating dangerous situations on busy roadways.
Distressed passengers reported frustrating interactions with Baidu's customer service, who offered little reassurance amid the crisis.
The breakdown has cast a shadow over the reliability of autonomous vehicles, igniting fears about the safety of self-driving technology and its future deployment.
Local authorities confirmed the incident as a system malfunction, with reports of accidents occurring as a result of the halted robotaxis.
The fallout from this incident raises serious questions for Baidu's reputation and its ambitions in the autonomous vehicle realm, leaving the public wary of embracing self-driving services in the future.
23
