Learning for Deployment of Robotaxis at Scale
As the global race to deploy automated vehicles in urban environments accelerates, the project "Learning for Deployment of Robotaxis at Scale" identified key lessons that can inform future implementations in Europe.
Bridging Global Knowledge for European Deployments
The primary goal of the project was to analyze the commercial operations of robotaxis and gather insights from stakeholders involved in these deployments. Through interviews, data analysis, and workshops, the project have summarize lessons learned from the public, operators, and municipal administrators in regions where robotaxi fleets are already operational. These insights will be useful when European cities, particularly in Sweden, consider large-scale deployment of automated vehicle fleets.
Insights and results from the project
The insights and results from the project can be read in full in the report that Ingrid Skogsmo, PhD h c – VTI and Sven Beiker, PhD – Silicon Valley Mobility have authored.
This report summarizes a project intended to prepare the public sector in other places for the potential large-scale implementation of automated vehicles in respective urban environments. The project, funded by the Swedish Innovation Agency, Vinnova through Future Mobility, focused on analyzing existing commercial robotaxi operations in major U.S. and Chinese cities, identifying lessons learned from these deployments, and evaluating their implications for future implementations in Europe, with a particular emphasis on Sweden.
The study was based on extensive information research, interviews with stakeholders from the U.S., China, Europe, and Sweden, as well as focus group discussions with citizens in California. Insights from the U.S. and Chinese experiences were analyzed in light of the expectations, targets, and concerns expressed by Swedish stakeholders.
Key findings
- Societal value first: Robotaxis should meaningfully contribute to societal objectives, including supporting climate neutrality targets, improving traffic efficiency, reducing vehicle numbers, and enhancing the financial sustainability of public transport.
- Complement, not compete: Robotaxis are expected to complement existing public transport rather than replace it.
- Safety and security: Operational safety must match industry leaders. Early involvement of first responders, robust incident reporting, and development of leading safety indicators are essential. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding city- or regional-level traffic impacts.
- Integration with mobility systems: Around-the-clock availability is a potential advantage, but current deployments are too small to demonstrate measurable shifts in mobility behavior. Future designs must ensure efficiency, complementarity, and avoidance of congestion.
- Economic viability: No profitable robotaxi business models currently exist. Large-scale operations require sufficient population density (estimated at 500,000+) to sustain economic viability, making the development of viable operating models for Sweden and Europe an urgent priority.
- Role of cities: Municipal involvement is critical. Clear objectives, early collaboration with public transport agencies and industry operators, and practical planning for curbside management and pick-up/drop-off zones are necessary. Regulatory frameworks may need to encompass the full service model, not just vehicles.
Methodology and Dissemination
The project gathered insights through a combination of interviews with stakeholders in California, China, and other regions, alongside data collection and research from publications, media, and reports on early robotaxi deployments. The exploration also focused on business considerations and other driving forces behind these deployments.
The findings were shared through written reports and presentations at events such as the Drive Sweden Forum, ITS Congress, and Transportforum. Additionally, focused discussions with stakeholders allowed dialogues on the challenges and opportunities of deploying robotaxi fleets.
This project also serves as the foundation for continued collaboration between partners from Sweden and the US within the field of automated mobility solutions for real world use.
As Europe and Sweden move closer to deploying robotaxi fleets, the "Learning for Deployment of Robotaxis at Scale" project will play a role in ensuring these implementations are informed by real-world experiences and lessons learned from early adopters worldwide.
Project manager: Ingrid Skogsmo, VTI
Parties: VTI, Silicon Valley Mobility
Potential partners: Zeekr Technology Europe, Pony.ai
Period: January 2025 to June 2025
Innovation projects
Hans Pohl
Jan Hellåker
