Driverless Car Accidentally Strikes Pedestrian in China, Exposing Limitations of AI Technology

Money | July 9, 2024, 6:14 a.m.

A driverless ride-hailing car in China recently hit a pedestrian, sparking a debate on social media as people sided with the carmaker, Baidu, due to reports that the pedestrian was crossing against the light. Baidu explained that the incident occurred when the car began moving after the light turned green and had minor contact with the pedestrian, who sustained no significant injuries. This event in Wuhan underscores the challenges autonomous driving faces in dealing with complex situations, particularly when it comes to unconventional behavior like violating traffic laws. Baidu, a prominent player in China's autonomous driving sector, operates the largest "robotaxi" fleet in Wuhan and has expanded to other cities as well. The company's recent launch of a sixth-generation driverless taxi aims to make autonomous driving more cost-effective.