China's Robotaxis expand as taxi drivers fear AI will replace their jobs | TheBriefWire
China's Robotaxis expand as taxi drivers fear AI will replace their jobs
Published 2 July 2026 ยท world
China's robotaxi industry is expanding into more cities, raising fears among taxi drivers that automated vehicles could eventually replace their livelihoods. In Shenzhen, veteran driver
China's robotaxi industry is expanding into more cities, raising fears among taxi drivers that automated vehicles could eventually replace their livelihoods. In Shenzhen, veteran driver Zhang Jingping, who has spent two decades behind the wheel, says earnings have already fallen sharply due to ride-hailing apps and now face fresh pressure from driverless competitors.
Robotaxis are roughly 30 percent cheaper than traditional taxis, and commercial trials are growing. A system failure earlier this year left several robotaxis stranded in Wuhan, raising questions about the reliability of the technology.
Al Jazeera's Katrina Yu reports from Shenzhen, China. Find us on Check our website Check out our Instagram page Download AJE Mobile App
Published: July 2, 2026 โข 2:03 PM IST ยท Updated: July 2, 2026 โข 2:39 PM ISTBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key pointsยท Video
China's robotaxi industry is expanding into more cities, raising fears among taxi drivers that automated vehicles could eventually replace their livelihoods.
In Shenzhen, veteran driver Zhang Jingping, who has spent two decades behind the wheel, says earnings have already fallen sharply due to ride-hailing apps and now face fresh pressure from driverless competitors.
Robotaxis are roughly 30 percent cheaper than traditional taxis, and commercial trials are growing.
A system failure earlier this year left several robotaxis stranded in Wuhan, raising questions about the reliability of the technology.
Al Jazeera's Katrina Yu reports from Shenzhen, China.