On Wuhan’s Streets, China Puts Robotaxis in the Driver’s Seat

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With government support and backing from tech giants, robotaxis are rapidly integrating into daily life in China. But the rollout is sparking a nationwide debate. By  Ye Zh anhang and Wang Jingyang HUBEI, Central China — At a busy bus stop in central China’s city of Wuhan, the roads come alive during rush hour with a curious mix of old and new. Traditional taxis, with their glowing “occupied” signs, now share lanes with sleek, driverless robotaxis, each topped with a spinning laser radar system. As both weave through traffic, honking furiously at each other, residents have taken notice — playfully dubbing the newcomers shaoluobo , or “simple-minded radish.” The name is a portmanteau of Baidu’s robotaxi service, Luobo Kuaipao (Apollo Go in English), and slang from the local dialect. Despite the playful nickname, these self-driving taxis are gradually finding their place in Wuhan’s transportation system. This integration is part of a massive push by Chinese authorit ………………………………