"The Ford Mustang Mach-E cruises down a London road choked with traffic, using its onboard AI system to avoid jaywalkers and cyclists, and navigate roadwork as it drives to its destination. The autonomous vehicle from British startup Wayve Technologies is on a test run ahead of the U.K. government's robotaxi trials set to launch in the spring. Tech companies including U.S. company Waymo and China's Baidu also plan to take part in the pilot program, making London the latest arena in the global robotaxi competition."
"Self-driving taxis are "a solution looking for a problem," said Steven McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association, which represents black cabbies. He doubts that robotaxis would have any advantage on London's road network, which is laid out in a convoluted spiderweb that dates back to Roman times - unlike the grid layout in American cities like San Francisco and Phoenix where Waymo operates."
Wayve Technologies is testing an autonomous Ford Mustang Mach-E in London using onboard AI to avoid jaywalkers, cyclists and navigate roadwork. The vehicle participates in trials tied to upcoming U.K. government robotaxi pilots that include Waymo and Baidu. London's ancient, convoluted street layout and heavy congestion pose unique operational challenges compared with grid-based U.S. cities. Black cab drivers express skepticism, citing rigorous route knowledge and prior opposition to disruptive technologies like Uber. Pedestrian behavior, including legal street crossing and frequent foot traffic, presents a specific difficulty for autonomous systems operating in London.
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